By Julie Hooker

The next time you’re out for dinner, may we suggest introducing a new tradition? Instruct the table to read their menu from the bottom up and to decide on a dessert first. This charming exercise ensures that everyone ends their meal with a sweet delicacy.

To help get you started, here are local delights appealing to adults and kids alike.

Fuego Limon
At Fuego Bistro and Pizzeria, the house specialty is the Fuego Limon—a lemon cookie with white chocolate chips baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with lemon gelato. Tip: Ask for it à la mode.

Sopapillas
Spice up your meal with Sopapillas, or “little pillows” at Loco Lizard. The chef hand rolls and fries fresh tortillas and tops them with cinnamon, powdered sugar and honey. Tip: Extra napkins please.

Root Beer Float
Flanagan’s on Main offers desserts made especially for “the little wee ones.” Our recommendation is the timeless root beer float made with rich ice cream and sweet frothy root beer. Tip: Grab a straw and share this classic.

Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice
Chef Yanee, a native of Bangkok, brings a tasty balance of traditional and modern to her family-inspired recipes at Bangkok Thai on Main. Yanee’s speciality dessert is tangy mango served with sweet coconut sticky rice. Tip: Perfect if you prefer a lighter treat.

Soft-Serve Ice Cream
While ordering a fresh sandwich with dipping sauce, add a cup or cone of soft serve ice cream from the Big Dipper. Children of all ages will delight in vanilla, pineapple or twist topped with favorites like caramel sauce, chocolate syrup or M & M’s. Tip: Take it to-go and browse Main Street.

Lava Cake
Also on Main Street, the Italian restaurant, Buona Vita features the ever-popular Lava Cake. This warm chocolate cake with a heart of flowing chocolate is the ultimate guilty pleasure. Tip: Superb for sharing.

Crème Brulée
At Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, this decadent delight is perfect in its simplicity, vanilla bean custard with raw sugar crust, garnished with plump fresh berries. Tip: Order a cup of cocoa for a dreamy pairing.

Pain Au Chocolat
Hill’s Kitchen thrills clients with homemade creations. Their sinful Pain Au Chocolat is a flaky puff pastry filled with rich chocolate and is expertly prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Jessie Rae Nakoneczny. Tip: Ask for it hot.