"It’s easy to lose sight of the beauty in simplicity when it comes to desserts. Those festive, colorful ice cream treats and milkshakes piled high with sugary toppings and doused in sweet sauces are all the rage right now, but sometimes the sweet note at the end of a meal comes best in an unsuspecting package. Such is the case with Imperial Lamian’s golden sesame balls, made with sweet and chewy lotus paste and coated in delicately crispy black and white sesame seeds. The small globes arrive in a trio, and provide a welcome combination of soft and crunchy textures with a measured dose of natural sweetness. For those less inclined toward showmanship and more interested in a subtle yet delightful bite or two after a hearty helping of hand-pulled noodles, this River North Eater 38 restaurant delivers the goods." - Ashok Selvam