Ask Mr. Gold

Q: I just moved here from New Jersey and I’ve been searching frantically for a taste of back home — good cannolis, like the ones my mom makes.

—Rosanna, Beverly Hills

A: I myself once saw a glimpse of nirvana in a cannoli, although unfortunately it was at the Termini Brothers bakery in South Philly. And friends of mine swear by the dense, super-sweet cannoli at Nicolosi Pastry Shop in Encino. But I am a partisan of the cannoli at Claro’s Italian Market, which is properly crisp, and creamy without being cloying — and filled to order, so it stands a fighting chance of crunchiness by the time you get it home. Although I’ve never known a Claro’s cannoli to make it that far. Claro’s Italian Market, 1003 E. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel, (626) 288-2026; Nicolosi Pastry Shop, 17540 Ventura Blvd, Encino, (818) 789-0922. Got a burning culinary question? Try us: askmrgold@laweekly.com