This Weekend Under $100: Co Co. Sala

A successful date is generally not remembered for its first awkward moments, its sometimes broken conversations, or its stilted parting. It is more often reflected in a lingering feeling; a warmth much like the ebbing taste of a chocolaty dessert. With that in mind, this week's Weekend Under $100 takes you to Co Co. Sala, a self-described chocolate boutique and lounge just a few blocks from Metro Center. Make an evening reservation in this casual sharp locale as it tends to get rather crowded with the after-work professional throng.

The belief of the restaurant is that dessert (and by dessert they mean chocolate) should be the centerpiece of any meal. Perusing their menu you should be delighted to find that a three-course dessert menu takes the usual place of the entrees. Start off with the small plates section. This is the only place where you will find traditional 'dinner food.' Pick 4 or 5 plates to share between you and your date. The duck confit salad was superb. The blue cheese burger and tandoori chicken slider were also excellent, and don't feel too ashamed by the decor to select one of their fantastic macaroni and cheese dishes. Enjoy as many or as few of these tapas as you'd like, remembering of course to leave room for dessert.

The menu provides an option of four different themed three-course dessert menus. Do not get too overwhelmed. Any or all of these will certainly provide you with an unparalleled chocolate experience. I would recommend splitting one of these with your date, passing out from a chocolate overdose would probably hurt your chances of a repeat. Should you be of age, choose from one of their fantastic cocktails (all dessert themed of course) to accompany the meal. Wild Winter and Co Cojito are both delectable choices. If you are not yet able, choose from one of 6 gourmet hot chocolates. Co Co. Sala also has a fantastic selection of handmade artisanal chocolates. Should you have the interest and the money inquire with your server. Cap off a fantastic evening by unwinding on the couch with Lasse Hallstrom's Chocolat available at HippoVideo for just a dollar. If there's no second date after this you must have some type of communicable disease.

Small plates: $7-9 each
Dessert Course: $20 each
Cocktails: $13 each or Cocoa: $6 each
DVD rental: $1.00

Total: $77 plus tax and tip

For reservations to Co Co. Sala

Directions: Orange/Blue line to Metro Center. Exit at 12th and F Street. Walk East on F Street towards 11th St. Restaurant on right.