Cravings

Volcanic Love

    I have heard people call chocolate the ultimate aphrodisiac. You might think it couldn’t get better than that. But it does.
    C’era Una Volta pastry chef Patrizia Scanlon was inspired by the famous volcano that rumbles and sparks in Naples, Italy, where she grew up. In creating her Vesuvio Lava Cake, Scanlon prepares a mouth-watering chocolate explosion that sends shock waves through diners. The cake is served with vanilla gelato—and remember, appearances can deceive. It arrives at the table looking like regular cake. But dig in with your spoon, and you get to the flow of warmed mousse—the delectable lava. The volcanic treat comes in two sizes: single, for a decadent individual treat, and double, for two to share. When passion and romance enter the picture, the shared version becomes the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day.
    And, because C’era Una Volta owner Cheryl Principato believes in the romance of chocolate, she will have truffle hearts for Valentine’s Day from Charles Chocolates (www.charleschocolates.com) in Emeryville in addition to the Vesuvio Lava Cake. As an ongoing tribute to romance, her eatery recently became the only Alameda outlet for Charles Chocolates, which she plans to carry year-round.
    C’era Una Volta, 1332 Park St. Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with dinner service 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. (510) 769-4828.