Pigging Out: Bacon Desserts in L.A.

435 N. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

The two food dudes behind this carnally-minded Fairfax favorite have been making quite a ruckus with their manly meals and their much-ballyhooed bacon chocolate crunch bar is no exception. Made from scratch, the $8 multi-tiered bar looks like like an edible toy of sorts--imagine a sliced Lincoln Log or a chocolate Tetris block and you kind of get the idea. The three layers (four when you count the Nueske's bacon) are comprised of semisweet chocolate that's been churned with crispy flakes, peanut butter, a ganache center jam-packed with bits of hazelnuts and a chocolate mousse topping covered in bacon. A small pool of salt and pepper anglaise finishes the presentation, taking the salty/sweet kick to an unchartered mouth-tingling sensation.

1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (map)

This cute and airy Santa Monica breakfast/lunch/bakeshop might have only opened its doors in February of this year, but a certain breakfast pastry had already laid the groundwork for the long line that's often weaving out the front door. Co-owner Zoe was the pastry chef just a block away at Rustic Canyon, where she created the famed Niman Ranch maple-bacon biscuits ($3.75), perfectly irregular shaped lumps of flaky dough that shield little bits of bacon inside. Rather than a there's-no-denying-that's-bacon-in-there punch of flavor, the taste is a subtle mix of salty pork and sweet maple. It's the most understated dessert of this bunch, so it could be a good starting point for beginners. Just keep in mind: Things tend to sell out around here and the menu changes seasonally and "on the whim of the baker," so if call ahead of time just in case.

724 N Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map)

Two words: Pig. Candy. That's right, folks. This strip mall wine bar might be known for quenching the thirsts of oenophiles with its ever-evolving list of 30 wines by the glass, but the real ace up its sleeve has much more to do with a certain farm animal than some tiny vine fruit. That's because Lou (he's the owner and the guy behind the counter) smokes and cures all his meats, including the bacon in his "pig candy." First he sheaths each strip in a layer of brown sugar and cayenne, then chills it to a nice brittle consistency before serving it in a little pile that just beckons to be bitten. And at a reasonable $5 a pop, it's no wonder why this baco-brittle has already reached legendary status in the local gastrosphere.

525 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (map)

Celestino Drago's sprawling new flagship in Downtown L.A. is bringing some Italian fare (and a healthy dose of urban flair) for both the local business set and foodies who aren't afraid to drive. While the menu has plenty of tasty options, we really just want to head straight for dessert. Namely, il budino di cioccolato--a decadent chocolate custard topped with bruleed bananas and pancetta dust (yes, as in bacon sprinkles!) served with praline gelato. And for $9, it's the most affordable way to do dinner and dessert all in one. (Oh, and they also do a beet cocktail rimmed with bacon salt. Mmm hmm..)

9540 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

At Culver City’s coolest Korean eatery, Chef Debbie Lee (a recent top three finalist on “The Next Food Network Star”) invites diners to enjoy her own brand of “Seoulful” cuisine. Yes, we love our galbee and kimchee as much as the next person, but what really makes our mouths water? The spicy chocolate creme brulee ($9) topped with almond cream and served with--what else?--Lee's own housemade bacon shortbread.