Art in Progress looks more like a jewellery store than a cafe - but it's both. The windows are filled with costume jewellery, designed and made on the premises by the three owners, one of whom owns the nearby Chocolate Rain jewellery shop on Peel Street. Inside, the dining tables are actually display cases for more jewellery, while desserts and drinks are prepared in a small open kitchen at the back of the shop.
The focus for desserts is on low-fat, healthy offerings, including creme brulee (flavoured with vanilla or coffee, $70), 'pear jam' (pear puree, raspberry sorbet, red wine sauce and puff pastry, $80) and Evolution ($70) - a de-constructed cheesecake served in a bowl. The server suggested we scoop a little of each element (cream cheese filling, base and toppings) onto the spoon and eat them in one bite. The dessert and drink set costs $88. There is also a romantic milk chocolate soup (above; $192 for two) that includes two drinks, fruit, biscuits and coconut ice cream. Art in Progress is at 18 Elgin Street, Central, tel: 2155 1313.