Sweet Spot: Mango Tart at Urban Plates

Dinner may be served in various cavemannish forms, but desserts have a coquettish fashion-model rep to uphold. Even after seven years at their location in Del Mar Highlands, the belle of the pastry bar at Urban Plates is still the mango tart.

They first bake off a buttery crust, then lay down a layer of cream whose charm is amplified by the use of brown sugar, rum, and a little cream cheese. Finally, fresh mangoes are cut and arranged into an elaborate, Georgia O’Keefe-ian floral pattern, and lightly brushed with an apricot glaze. It’s the prettiest thing at any party, and because it’s fruit, let’s call it a salad.

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12857 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley 

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Sweet Spot: Mango Tart at Urban Plates

Justin Galloway