The Confectional

Mochaccino cheesecake

The Confectional, $4

The Confectional is a tiny little nook in Pike Place Market that makes the most of its dimensional resemblance to a confessional booth.  Since 2006, the on-site bakery and retail counter has been dispensing single-serving cheesecakes with a pinch of transgression and a dollop of indulgence.  Owner Paul B. Vernano's motto:  "Forgive me chocolate for I have sinned.  I have not yet had my daily confection." 

The Confectional's products are appropriately naughty-but-nice, relying on the best ingredients available, whether from near (eggs from free-range hens) or far (rich Spanish biscuits for the crumb crusts). There are more than a dozen varieties to choose from, including the Moccachino (above), which features Colombian coffee and a dark chocolate crust.

Wait, did I say "single-serving"?  Even as well-trained an indulger as myself would have trouble polishing one off in a sitting; an individual cake is perfect for sharing.  For smaller appetites, the Confectional also offers innovative "truffles"--cheesecake balls coated with dark chocolate.

[Coincidentally, only two days after I had my first Confectional experience, I was served the exact same flavor at a fundraising dinner (below).  This time around I was able to eat about 3/4 of the single-serving cake on my own.  Maybe the third time will be the charm?]