Eat Like an Insider: Cafe ArtScience’s Renae Connolly

Pastry chef Renae Connolly makes masterful desserts atKendall Square’s Cafe ArtScience. While some restaurants may seem unapproachable, inedible and (gasp!) slightly dated, Connolly and her colleagues keep it playful, tasty and innovative, with an artful nod to their techie neighborhood. Take for example Connolly’s Edge of Forest dessert which is whimsically plated to look like a tree covered in snow. The 30-year-old Cambridge resident tells us her fave spots to dine, drink and snap a shot for the most likes.

We just launched a late nightmenu at Cafe ArtScience, which has made me think about late night dining even more than usual. I’ve been dreaming about sesame noodles, spicy salty shrimp with heads, sautéed pea tendrils, Peking duck and an ice cold Tsingtao atPeach Farmin Chinatown.4 Tyler St., Boston, 617-482-1116

The pan-fried noodles with Chinese broccoli atKantinin Packards corner.1095 Commonwealth Ave. #203, Boston, 617-562-8388

My husband Stephen and I love the bar atGiuliain Porter Square for our date nights.Wine, pasta and ribeye — perfection.1682 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-441-2800

Spoke Wine Barin Davis Square is great for solo dining. The portions are just right for a single diner, and you can have a very affordable, multi-course meal. Magnum Mondays (when big bottle pours are available) are an especially great day to dine alone.89 Holland St., Somerville, 617-718-9463

I’m super excited about our newest dessert atCafe ArtSciencecalled The Forest Floor, which just hit the menu. It’s a frozen lemon custard log with caramelized tree rings, sunflower nougatine, zucchini cake, candied lemon peel andapriumpurée. It’s meant to look like a fallen tree.650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge, 857-999-2193