Five to try: Dessert degustations

Pierre Roelofs

Fitzroy

Open-ended test tubes of crumbs, gels and creams; drops of salted strawberry cheesecake and whisky balls that explode in your mouth. Using science to add elements of fizzy crackly surprise is Roelofs calling card. Thu, 7-11pm. 1/2/3 courses for $20/$30/$40.

Shaun Quade

Spotswood

Before he launches his Harvey Rabbit ice-cream sandwich and soda truck this summer (!) he’s doing four course dessert nights at the Duchess. Extra snacks and wines are available. Back soon in 2013.

Mr Hive Kitchen and Bar

Crown, Southbank

Four courses, plus treats, and available in two sittings every Friday and Saturday night. This is more traditional soufflé, and rich chocolate truffle affair, but the odd Sichuan ice-cream makes an appearance. Fri-Sat, 6pm & 6.45pm. $45.

Burch and Purchese

South Yarra

Check the website, get on the list and book as soon as you get the dessert night memo. The whole sweet studio becomes a dining room. Four courses, plus surprises and wine matching.

Buy the book: Sweet Studio - Darren Purchese

ARIA Chocolate Bar

The Langham, Southbank

Along with your three-tiered tray scones and sandwich fancies, you get unlimited access to a buffet of chocolate trifles, mousses and éclairs. Sat-Sun, noon & 2.30pm. $75.