What: Bird’s milk cake
Where: Cheers Coffee, 71800 Highway 111, Suite A-119, Rancho Mirage
How much: $5.09
Contact: 818-818-8160; instagram.com/cheerscoffeeatriver
Why: It’s light, delicious and affordable.
Over the last couple of months, I’ve learned that I am a BIG fan of Eastern European desserts. Last month, I was drooling over the Armenian honey cake at Family Bakery; this month, I can’t stop thinking about the bird’s milk cake at Cheers Coffee.
If you’re unfamiliar (which I was until very recently): Bird’s milk is a Polish/Russian confection. Cheers Coffee’s version features layers of extremely thin sponge cake, each separated with a light, marshmallow-y mousse; the cake is then topped with a chocolate glaze. It’s similar in construction to the aforementioned honey cake, and they’re both rather mild in terms of sweetness. A piece is satisfying without being overwhelming—and it’s one heck of a deal at $5.09.
The bird’s milk cake is just one of the many yummy treats on offer at Cheers Coffee, which opened last summer in the space at The River formerly occupied by Starbucks. In addition to a variety of coffee drinks (including a tasty “Mirage Date latte”), teas and other drinks, Cheers serves a nice variety of pastries (both sweet and savory), crepes, breakfast “bites” and burritos, and other goodies. They even have their own version of honey cake, which I will definitely be trying on my next visit.
With ample seating both inside and outside, Cheers hosts a variety of community events (like “Coffee With a Cop”), and even offers special discounts here and there—just to say “thank you” to their customers.
It’s safe to say The River got a massive upgrade when it swapped that large chain joint for Cheers Coffee.