I’m not that into desserts but, for some reason, I was fixated on the pumpkin pie from the Urth Cafe. Originally, we were going to break tradition and have red velvet cake from Dough Boys. But, sadly, Dough Boys has suffered some hard times and no longer has a store front. You can special order the red velvet cakes, but there’s a week lead time and it was 2 days before Thanksgiving when it occurred to me that we should have some dessert.

So, it was suggested that I get a pumpkin pie from Urth Cafe. Now we have a downtown location in the heart of the industrial area. Our very own, with ample parking, unlike the Melrose location.

There was something about the pie that offered the ultimate in comfort food (while still being organic and relatively healthy in an indulgent dessert sort of way). It wasn’t a traditional pie with typical crust. It was a savory and sweet pumpkin filling with a crumbly outer shell. Divine!

The day was glorious. It was thoughtful, filled with deep conversation about the state of our lives. It was a 9 hour journey of provocative dialogue. The pumpkin pie offset the conversation with it’s soothing flavors. A little tradition and nostalgia. And, of course, you know me, champagne was served. We sipped rose on the rooftop, thankful for friendships and LA’s fine weather.

There is something about the effects of food that can pacify or ignite. Depending on what is being served. Christmas dinner we’ll have the red velvet cake. That might make us dance afterwards. It’s my friend Carl’s birthday on Christmas day. He’s from New Orleans. The red velvet is required eating on this occasion. So is dancing.

So, here’s the strangest list for you. From the person who rarely eat sweets, here’s a list of some of the finest, most delectable establishments to satiate your holiday sweet cravings. Trust me on this. Since I can only take sweets in small doses, infrequently, when I do indulge it HAS to be amazing and worth the possible sugar coma that often follows.

Sweets in LA:

Dough Boys (only special order red velvet cakes by phone or email now)

Urth Cafe (Downtown LA or Melrose/West Hollywood  -- for the feeling of indulging but in a healthy sort of way)

Lark Silver Lake Cake Shop (Silverlake)

Compartes Chocolates (Brentwood)

Valerie Confections (www.valerieconfections.com)

Casbah Cafe (Silverlake -- for Moroccan treats)

Joan’s on Third (West Hollywood -- great cupcakes!)

Figaro Cafe (Los Feliz -- there is a takeout bakery but great for dining too -- so Parisian!)

Sweet Lady Jane (West Hollywood/Melrose -- their Triple Berry Shortcake is AMAZING -- it was worth the sugar coma that came after a birthday where the cake was served; fortunately the party was at my house so I could doze for a bit while my guests continued to enjoy themselves.)

Paris Baguette (Downtown -- haven’t been there yet but it’s rumored to have some of the best traditional European pastries, along side green tea bread and green tea chiffon cake -- it’s a Korean bakery)