Yes - you read that right. Last week, I was fortunate enough to have Dessert for dinner. No, I wasn’t lazy and just ate a giant cookie from Great American Cookie Co. I actually went out, and enjoyed a plethora of fruit, dipped in chocolate fondue at Dante’s Down the Hatch.

For anyone who hasn’t been there, Dante’s is designed in the illusion of an 18th century ship. Even the outside (once you step away from the parking lot) appears like an old dock. Throughout the entire building, the feeling of sitting on a ship creates such an awe that one almost forgets that it’s in the center of Buckhead or even at a jazz club. Pictures on the wall indicate that Dante has been there for years, and a seat in the captain’s corner is only the beginning.

To order the chocolate fondue, one must make reservations 2 days in advance as they only do one a night. And even though it’s a bit pricey, you understand why once Dante visits your table.

Dante, himself, provides some excellent anecdotal evidence as to why this place is a must see in Buckhead. He explains the origins of chocolate with such enthusiasm, that you can’t help but stare at him, in awe, mouth watering as you prepare for your dessert dinner. He has a few jokes, but ultimately, you can tell he is proud of what he has been able to build - and showing no signs of retiring any time soon.

But the chocolate - it was indeed some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted. Definitely not the “crap,” as Dante put it, that you’re used to with your every day chocolate bar from the candy store.