Cheesecake Dreams at The Sweet Hereafter

by Angela Sanford

Ever watch The Big Bang Theory and wonder how it is that nary a season actually shows a slice of magnificent cheesecake  - not in any scene, yet the gang eats there regularly? Yes, Leonard is lactose intolerant but no one has ever been shown to eat a single slice.    

   Flashback to the 80s when four friends, The Golden Girls namely, shared a house together and they were found regularly sharing a slab of cheesecake - so much so that cheesecake is practically a co-star in that series. Cheesecake often finds itself with a leading role in literature when characters are facing a crisis, emotional vulnerability, or need to be comforted.

    The Cheesecake Factory first appeared in 1978, believe it or not, and while it was a major player on the food scene in the USA it only became an international sensation in 2012 when it opened its doors in Dubai. I've enjoyed their gluten free options on more than one occasion while traveling in the states. But, for obvious reasons, I cannot skip to the US for a slice of cheesecake whenever I have a craving .

   Then I was introduced to what might be considered an equivalent eatery here in Nova Scotia; a small chain whose flagship cafe opened in Nova Scotia in 2018 and, yes, the cheesecake was good but that's just it... it was nothing more than good for me.  However, I have heard friend and acquaintances rave about it.  But it was an easy avoidance for me.

   Then I met my maker and it sits on Quinpool Road in Halifax; likely a very good thing because it is just far enough away that the divine dessert is still a sweet indulgence and not a daily addiction. A good friend, now clearly a great friend, shared this not so secret spot with me a short time ago. While we grabbed a bottle of wine and a couple of slices each to take back to our conference hotel room I had no idea the revelation I was about to encounter.    

   Each slice was the perfect combination of smooth, silky decadence with its own unique flavor and gluten free! Needless to say the two slices from the trial were devoured within a short block of time and every morsel was savored; the tangy Raspberry Lemonade being my favorite. I have since tried  the S'mores, Lemon Pie and Strawberry Shortcake  -and knowing now that they rotate through 90 +/- flavours, I clearly need to make another 86 trips to be certain the Raspberry Lemonade is my favourite!

   This little cafe puts to shame any cheesecake I've had to date. Yeah, it may be a bit on the pricey side - another reason to keep my distance except for special occasions – but each bite is worth every penny! Every venture I have enjoyed a slice in the moment and brought another home for the next day but the Sweet Hereafter, the name of this sanctuary, beckons me to return, and soon.

   Adding to its appeal, is that The Sweet Hereafter is a local Mom and Pop business and every cheesecake is handmade on their signature crust, again, with gluten free options. And if gambling on what options are available upon your arrival, apparently with only a couple of days notice one can have their own personal cheesecake in any variety!

   So, if Santa can't find me the perfect gift by Christmas Eve I'm willing to hold out 48 hours especially if I know that this is the gift that I'll be waiting for!