Skip Dinner, Go Straight for Dessert

Some restaurant patrons will argue the dessert is as important as, or more so than, the main course. Everyone knows these people — first flipping to the dessert menu before bothering to scan the entree selection. Why even bother with a main course?

Madrid European Bakery & Patisserie is free of those pesky pasta and meat dishes threatening to fill the stomach to capacity before the server asks that one important question, "would you like to try one of our desserts?"

Madrid has been serving delightful sweets to Marlborough residents for more than two years. Tables showcase tea cookies and cakes, loaves of bread and truffles. Shelves within the glass case tantalize shoppers. Rows of pastries call out to the "sweet tooth" so many of us attempt to repress.

Everything is made from scratch and within the store. The flourless torte, although rich by design, manages to maintain a light, airy texture so as to not be overwhelming rich. A top layer of flourless chocolate ganache completes the decadent cake.

In some eateries, "chocolate hazelnut filling" really translates to Nutella filling, but not at Madrid. Folded within flaky, freshly baked croissants is quality chocolate mixed with large pieces of hazelnut. Try the moist old-fashioned almond cake that is one of the best selling items, according to one employee.

If not wishing to eat an entire piece of cake or are torn between several options, try the mini pastries. The more than 20 varieties of bite-size sweets are also perfect for dessert buffets at parties or for gatherings. Their cannolis are made to order, so as to prevent the soggy-shell syndrome that has been known to hinder potentially great cannolis.

And the bakery does make specialty cakes, although not multi-tiered. The next time that sweet craving takes hold, stop on by Madrid European Bakery & Patisserie, located at 1019 Boston Post Road, Marlborough (508-485-8844).

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest Marlborough news, or simply hit the "like" button at the top of this page.