Thank you. I found a recipe online by searching for that show. I don't know how close to the original it tastes (the recipe is credited to another bakery), but I can now give personal testimony about the mail-order version of Prantl's burnt almond torte. I ordered one with trepidation, since they make it without the custard to prevent spoilage. Nonetheless, I couldn't taste a difference. It was delicious. Not only that, it made the 250-mile trip to my house in 100-degree weather, and it was STILL COLD. They wrapped it in a thermal foil with ice packs above and below. Inside the box, it was encased in plastic wrap, so no moisture got to it. All for a very reasonable price of about $37 for a cake that looked about 8" square. I cannot say enough good things about Prantl's, their cake, and their customer service. I wouldn't even bother trying these recipes that look very labor intensive.

I know this is reallllllly old, but I, too, have been looking for a closer recipe for this forever. Did you ever find one? It's my husband's favorite, we don't live in Pgh anymore, and I'd love to make it for him.

Both times I've dined at No. 9, the staff went out of their way to provide exceptional service. The first time, they helped us find a place to buy an emergency cake at 10 pm, especially remarkable because we were skipping their dessert. When I made reservations the next time, I mentioned that we were bringing a guest, that it was her birthday, and that she had a broken leg. When we arrived, they greeted our guest by name, then led us to a table they thoughtfully had chosen so that she could stretch her leg and not get knocked into. Both times, we had great food and a wonderful experience.

I will reply, even though I came on here with essentially the same question you have. But I heartily recommend No. 9 Park. You won't be disappointed with either the food or the professional but non-stuffy service. Now, since I've been there a couple of times, what will someone recommend for my birthday? Thinking of going back to Hammersly's, it's been a while, or maybe Petit Robert. But which one?

Sky: Ick. I posted on my experience there last year. In brief, the food was terrible, the service was terrible.

Tried Sky for the first time tonight and couldn't have been more disappointed. My "ahi" tuna and my husband's filet were of such poor quality, no recipe could have saved them. The chopped salad was straight from the bag and can. "Horseradish" mashed potatoes were bright green with wasabi powder and inedible. Our waitress was sweet but clueless--couldn't pronounce common dishes, took away the wine list before we could order. Two other guys served the food, first bringing us a dish meant for another table, then mixing up our plates. While the food and service were strictly low class, prices were comparable to fine Boston restaurants. I can't believe this is the same place others have liked. Too many things were wrong to have been an anomaly.

I like the lobster roll at Kelly's in Revere better than Neptune's hot or cold. The difference was the quality of the lobster--otherwise, not much difference to me. Even Natick's Kelly's is at least as good as Neptune's, but not much for atmosphere, although there's lots of seating. Their roast beef is good but salty. Not sure if Kelly's in Revere has any seating, but at least it's on the ocean.