Making the Perfect Evening with Coffee and Sunsets

Abby Zischang
A cloudy sunset taken in western Pennsylvania

Are you looking for the perfect evening out? You should consider checking out some spots to have dinner and watch the sunset while enjoying some coffee and desserts.

Coffee can be paired with some dinner foods, this includes eggs, cheeses, red meat, and, white meat. A dark roast from Latin America that is rich, and full-bodied should complement an egg food. Cheeses with nutty and fruity notes will pair well with coffees that also have these flavors. Smoky-flavored coffees can be paired with red meat, and acidic and citrus-profiled coffees can be paired with white meats.

Coffee and dessert are a match made in heaven, if paired correctly. The bitterness and accent flavors of a cup of coffee can perfectly balance the sweetness of a dessert. When pairing coffee and dessert, it’s important to consider the flavors and textures of the drink and food. It’s also important to consider the origin of the coffee when pairing it with a dessert. For example, coffee from Ethiopia has a fruity and floral flavor profile that pairs well with fruity desserts. Coffee from Colombia, on the other hand, has a nutty and chocolatey flavor that pairs well with a chocolate or nutty dessert.

If you take a look at any coffee menu, you will most likely notice the mocha, coffee, and chocolate paired together. This isn’t the only way to pair coffee with chocolate but almost any chocolate can go with coffee. For example, a rich chocolate cake pairs well with a bold cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a delicious balance. Chocolate-covered fruit offers a good pairing for many African Coffees that feature both chocolate and fruit flavors. Other fruit-based desserts, such as lemon bars, pair well with a lighter roast coffee, this is because the acidity of the fruit is balanced by the brightness of the coffee. Stacey Froehlich states that “I love anything chocolate with coffee. Sometimes I like something crunchy so I can dip it in my coffee, and the dessert absorbs the liquid, like a chocolate chip cookie.” Coffee can also go great with a crunchy texture and beautiful sunset.

When it comes to texture, a creamy dessert like cheesecake goes well with a smooth cup of coffee. The creaminess of the cake is perfectly complemented by the silky texture of coffee. A crunchy dessert, such as biscotti or a nutty tart, pairs well with a coffee with a strong finish and nutty flavors.

But when should you enjoy the wonderful pair of coffee and desserts? Maybe try dining outside on a nice warm evening. This is the perfect time to sit back and relax while eating your chocolate cake and sipping a hot cup of coffee. This is also perfect to experience the view outside and if you are lucky enough, to watch the sun set over the horizon.

There are many places that have outside dining. You could go to a place like the Bonefish Grill, or maybe you want to get a little more elegant and visit the Scarpetta. This is a beautiful Italian restaurant located in New York City. They have an amazing outdoor area where you can socialize with an espresso right by your side as you gaze at the sky. The Scarpetta has a wide variety of desserts as well, such as the Espresso Budino, which is a salted caramel and hazelnut gelato, with a chocolate biscotti with a cup of coffee upon request. Caitlin Hogan, a resident of New York City, says, “When I turned 30 my friends took me there for my birthday. We actually ate outside, the food was excellent, and we had an amazing view.’I remember getting the biscotti and my best friend getting an espresso. It was amazing.”

Another place you can visit is the Moshulu in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The name Moshulu comes from a ship that is indeed the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. They have a nice outside seating area to watch the sunset by the time you eat dessert. As you are soaking in what is left of the sun, the Moshulu has a great variety of different types of coffee. They have Lavazza Coffee, which is gran filtro dark roast 100% arabica regular & decaffeinated. In addition, they offer espressos, cappuccinos as well as cold brew.

In conclusion, pairing coffee and dessert is all about finding the right balance of flavors and textures. By considering the sweetness, texture, and origin of both the coffee and dessert, you can create perfect pairings that will leave your taste buds satisfied. And as you are enjoying your dessert and coffee, don’t forget to sit outside once in a while to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful sunshine go down.

Sources:

https://www.coffeeforless.com/blogs/coffee-for-less-blog/coffee-pairings-sweet-and-savory-foods-that-pair-well-with-coffee

https://www.scarpettarestaurants.com/location/scarpetta-new-york-city/

https://stksteakhouse.com/venues/nyc-downtown/

https://talulasgarden.com/?utm_source=Google%20My%20Business&utm_medium=Website%20Button

https://www.moshulu.com/menus-wine.html