378827 Thu Mar 08 10:27:00 -0800 2007 20 18 Manhattan 0 2365689 Which is better choice for a decadent, 30th B-day dessert experience? Thu Mar 08 10:27:00 -0800 2007 19580 ChowDiva 1 2394882 Completely off track on both accounts. ChikaLicious/Room 4 dessert are more high-end experiences. For decadence, you may wish to explore Max Brenner. Sat Mar 17 09:31:36 -0700 2007 2365689 83563 craigg 1 2394909 "Completely off track" is a bit hyperbolic. The question is straightforward: she's asking about two specific restaurants (dessert-aurants?), so why not respond to that rather than focus on the word "decadent." ChowDiva, if you're still checking in: Chikalicious is quite good, more traditional, and almost always has a long wait. R4D is more avant-garde, if that term can be applied to dessert, and may not satisfy unless you're really going for a unique experience. Check out their online menus; that's usually the best way to decide. Sat Mar 17 09:46:36 -0700 2007 2365689 83565 jewsaleh 1 2394919 Chickalicious doesn't have a very decadent atmosphere. Also...the portions are very very small and it doesn't seem very decadent. It was ok...but I've had much better dessert other places. What kind of "decadent" do you mean? If you want to go all out (huge slices, etc.) I'd look at Serendipity. I know it's cliche, but might be fun. Sat Mar 17 09:50:09 -0700 2007 2365689 82182 izzizzi 2 2395104 Jewsaleh is absolutely correct in comment above. You must savor ChikaLicious in the same way in which you might savor fine caviar or precious gems. Small portions with stunning flavor combinations. You may have to order the "entire menu" to obtain the decadence you seek. For $12 plus $7 for additionals...a small pittance. Atmosphere is quite charming. Sit at the counter and be part of the magic. R4D is lounge/bar like, but in a good way; and desserts are usually pretty good. Lively atmoshpere. Once again, Max Brenner...check it out. No wait, cute, two locations, and enormous portions. Happy 30th! Sat Mar 17 11:21:58 -0700 2007 2394919 83563 craigg 3 2549501 Every time I've walked past Max Brenner EV on a weekend night, it's been packed, with a wait. Additionally, it may be decadent, but it's not very high quality chocolate. It's more like "novelty" chocolate, with a focus on the experience/whimsical nature. I'd rather buy a big box of Jacques Torres' work or Kee's to get my chocolate fix. That said, I do like their Italian hot chocolate. Mon May 07 15:33:00 -0700 2007 2395104 10936 kathryn 2 2547811 i found chickalicious to be creepy and pretentious and i was quite hungry for something sweet after i left. although well-executed and smartly conceived from the savant chef chika, the porions are silly and the presentation over the top "get over yourself " can anyone else speak to max brenner. is it good? Mon May 07 07:33:32 -0700 2007 2394919 74051 jsmitty 3 2675377 Max Brenner has stale chocolate croissants and their hot cocoa was watery and thoroughly unappetizing - I've had cups of Swiss Miss that tasted better. The bald man's chocolate is an overpriced ruse for tourists and I grimace every time I walk by either location. There is no way that it is decadent. From what I understand, it's Hershey's entry into the "dessert destination" game but I think regular Hershey's tastes better than the dregs they serve at Max Brenner's. Payard on the other hand would be a sublime choice for the OP, as I have no personal experience with R4D or Chikalicious. Payard recently introduced some new cakes and torts that are to die for, and their macaroons taste like heaven. Tue Jun 19 16:09:54 -0700 2007 2547811 41798 windycity 4 2675520 Max Brenner owned by Hershey? No, it's an Israeli chain founded by Max Fichtman and Oded Brenner. There is no Max Brenner -- it's the combination of their two names. Anyway, don't go to Max Brenner. It's the Applebee's of chocolate, as some hounds have said. It's all novelty chocolate, and not high quality at all. Tue Jun 19 17:01:47 -0700 2007 2675377 10936 kathryn 1 2394973 What about Payard? Posh space, beautiful desserts, and it takes reservations. If you're planning to celebrate your b-day with more than one person, Chikalicious will be tough... it's a teeny space... I'm not familiar with R4D. Sat Mar 17 10:12:14 -0700 2007 2365689 44059 daveena 2 2549502 R4D will also be difficult with a party of more than two -- the whole thing is set up like a giant bar so you can watch the staff assemble your desserts. The portions at R4D are definitely bigger if you order one of the tastings. You'll leave satisfied but not stuffed. If you want to be bursting with cake/pie/ice cream/etc. you'll have to turn somewhere else... Mon May 07 15:33:31 -0700 2007 2394973 10936 kathryn 1 2394989 You could try Cafe Sabarsky or Cafe des Artists. Sat Mar 17 10:22:41 -0700 2007 2365689 82182 izzizzi 2 2547813 stole my thunder with sabarsky it is special! Mon May 07 07:34:38 -0700 2007 2394989 74051 jsmitty 1 2395134 Room 4 Dessert is a Dessert "Bar"; ChikaLicious is a "Dessert" Bar. Sat Mar 17 11:38:40 -0700 2007 2365689 83563 craigg 1 2547737 I would say that Room 4 Dessert is probably more of what you're looking for. The atmosphere is more welcoming -- not that Chikalicious is not. It's just more sterile. The portions at Room 4 Dessert are more ample as well. Room also has a selection of cocktails that will add to the festive experience. So for a 30th Bday experience, Room would be a better choice. I actually went there for my 33rd Bday. Was a perfect choice. Mon May 07 07:01:38 -0700 2007 2365689 10763 Miss Needle 2 2550175 LOL! My idea of decadent would be trying every kind of Cannoli at Veniero's in one sitting! Tipsy Mon May 07 19:06:04 -0700 2007 2547737 16161 TipsyMcStagger 1 2551754 I was a bit disappointed with Room 4 Desserts' stuff, very mediocre. And Max Brenner is like The Cheesecake Factory of desserts. I wish I had a suggestion in their place. Haven't tried Chickalicious though. Tue May 08 10:36:16 -0700 2007 2365689 92276 mnguyen 1 2557048 Chikalicious was ok but not outstanding, the wait is ridiculous. Haven't tried room 4 dessert yet. How about the dessert tasting at wd-50, $35 for 4 desserts. Wed May 09 21:20:36 -0700 2007 2365689 15968 lanadai 2 2672867 others payard cafe sabarsky any great restaurant with a good pastry chef (jean georges, daniel, cru, emp etc etc ) chikalicious is comparatively unsatisfying compared to great contemp american or french restaurants with a great idea about food... Tue Jun 19 03:59:23 -0700 2007 2672737 74051 jsmitty 1 2675752 I would try 8.5, Brasserie 8 1/2's newest dessert bar (opens after 8:30 pm) or One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn has a dessert bar now after 8 pm on weekends. Also, wd-50 has an amazing dessert tasting menu! If you want take-out, kee's chocolates or murray's both have yummy stuff to take home. Tue Jun 19 18:18:35 -0700 2007 2365689 98880 kam0424 1 2822916 So sad... Room 4 Dessert is closing :( Tue Aug 07 14:48:22 -0700 2007 2365689 106483 doona