Brownies
* It could be filled with nuts or chocolate chips--as long as it’s moist and chocolaty, with a little crustiness on top, we’re happy.
Sweet Lady Jane: This two-inch square may look small, but wait till you take a bite--it’s one rich brownie, fudgy and full of flavor. The combination of ingredients is a bit of a secret, but it clearly includes chopped walnuts, essence of espresso and amaretto. (Brownie, $1.50.) Sweet Lady Jane, 8360 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, (323) 653-7145.
Rockenwagner: The “gourmet triple chocolate brownies” here blend French chocolate chips, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate with a dash of espresso powder to make big, dark, quite moist, deeply chocolaty squares. You can get them with or without walnuts. Eat them on the go or bring them home to have with a scoop of ice cream. (Brownies, $2; with nuts, $2.50.) Rockenwagner, Edgemar Complex, 2435 Main St., Santa Monica, (310) 399-6504.
Stir Crazy: Once you’ve tried this enormous, exceptionally moist brownie, you’ll be addicted. The ingredients are secret, but if you don’t like nuts in your brownies, you’ll be pleased to know these are nut-free. (Chocolate brownie, $3.) Stir Crazy, 6917 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 934-4656.
Patticakes: This hot seller is made with semi-sweet chunks of Caillebaut chocolate, as well as chocolate chips, big walnut pieces and a hit of espresso. The result is a rich, moist, very dense brownie with a perfect crust. (Chocolate brownie, $3.) Patticakes, 1900 N. Allen Ave., Altadena, (626) 794-1128.
Say Cheese: Take a bite of this thick little square and the first thing you’ll notice is how moist it is, nearly wet. Then you’ll taste dark chocolate, and finally the intensity of almond paste will come through. It’s a marzipan-chocolate brownie. (Brownie, $1.50.) Say Cheese, 2800 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake, (323) 665-0545.
Greenblatt’s: This classic brownie is soft and slightly chewy, filled with finely chopped walnuts and dusted with powdered sugar. If you really want to treat yourself, order it heated up with a scoop of Haagen Dazs vanilla. (Brownie, $2.25; brownie a la mode, $3.75.) Greenblatt’s, 8017 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 656-0606.
