Satisfy your sweet tooth and hunger at Vaccaro's

Vaccaro's

222 Albemarle St.

Phone: 410-685-4905

Price: $5-$10

Location: Little Italy

Hours: Mon.: 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tues.-Thurs.: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Fri.-Sat.: 7:30 a.m.-1 a.m.

Sun.: 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

It's official; I am going to die. Forget the fact that I run six miles a week, that I take my multivitamins or even that I come from a healthy, hearty family. It's all over -- Vaccaro's is going to kill me before I hit 20. This Baltimore landmark, tucked in the heart of Little Italy, offers what every college student really needs, more than coffee or a good GPA: delicious desserts.

Vaccaro's is famous the nation over for their homemade, old style Italian cookies and pastries. Whether you are in the mood for some chocolate cream puffs, overflowing cannoli or maybe just a slice of some good old-fashioned Tiramisu, this cozy little bakery will not disappoint.

Although primarily a takeout establishment, this charming little ristorante offers a small dining room where patrons can enjoy the famous cakes and cookies, as well as gelati or granita (Italian ice cream and flavored ice, for all those non-Italian majors) or a good cup of premium cappuccino. They boast a four page menu chock full of artery-clogging wonders; Italian pound cake topped with gelati, strawberries and real whipped cream; peanut butter fudge pie, or even just a sampler of Vaccaro's famous cookies, cream puffs or napoleons are just a few of the reasons I am going to have a massive heart attack before graduate school.

Besides the awe-inspiring dining menu, the shelves upon shelves of cookies, macaroons and biscotti awaiting the psuedo-diabetic as she walks through the door is enough to convince even the most hard lined realist that she is in fact dreaming. And these confections are not your everyday chocolate chip. Cookies the average Joe has never heard of (Italian Butter Balls?) and true national delicacies like amaretto cookies and chocolate almond macaroons tempt the sugar-craver alongside some old favorites, like lemon iced sugar cookies or Italian shortbread.

Whether you are in the mood for cup of coffee and a white chocolate biscotti or just a maybe a raspberry Zclair, Vaccaro's delivers -- literally. The bakery ships orders of cookies and pastries daily, not only to their five other locations in the Baltimore-Washington area, but also to your Aunt Suzy, best friend Kim or even your doggie Rex. All products are baked fresh daily and can be shipped anywhere in the United States -- the perfect gift for the junk food junkie on Christmas break.

Vaccaro's not only offers great food, but great value as well. A pound of mouth-watering Italian cookies weighs in at a little over $13; a slice of Tiramisu, rum or cheesecake will run you about four dollars.

Most of Vaccaro's pastries are under three dollars and their homemade gelati under four. And just for those times you want to trick that Hopkins hottie into thinking you are a world class Italian pastry chef, Vaccaro's sells "Take home and fill yourself" cannoli and cream kits, as well as gelati or granita by the quart.

The dine-in menu serves up amazing value as well. Desserts dishes rarely cost more than at any equivalent restaurant (about five to seven dollars), but Vaccaro's portions are girthy, not to mention gourmet. Any of their signature creations, like the fudge drizzled chocolate hazelnut cake, could take the Cheesecake Factory any day. Also Vaccaro's offers a unique beverage menu, complete with premium Illy espresso or (for those old fogies over 21) alcoholic beverages with a classy, coffee twist.

Vaccaro's is the perfect little hideaway for a romantic evening for two, sharing cannoli by candlelight or to celebrate your hall mate's birthday with style -- Monday nights are "All You Can Eat Coffee and Desserts" for $11. The atmosphere of the restaurant is full of old world charm and cozy relaxation, just like the home baked goodies. Despite the fact that I had been on the New Jersey Turnpike for three hours with a raging flu and no ability to eat solid food, I could not resist Death by Dessert at Vaccaro's. Don't be surprised if you soon find me slumped over face down in my Sfogliatelli -- Vaccaro's will be the death of me yet!