Work It, Berk: Search results for kouign amann

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query kouign amann. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, April 28, 2023

Eat in New York City: Dominique Ansel Bakery

Mango Earl Grey Vanilla Tart made with earl grey dacquoise, mango curd, jam, and compote, and vanilla whipped ganache in a sablé tart shell

DKA (Dominique's Kouign Amann)

While exploring Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood in late September, I was excited to see that the Dominique Ansel Bakery — home of the famous cronut — did not have a line down Spring Street. In fact, it had a pretty well-managed line inside the larger than expected space.

We tried two pastries we really enjoyed on their back patio: the Mango Earl Grey Vanilla Tart and the DKA (Dominique's Kouign Amann). Although I don't remember the specifics, I remember being really impressed by both. The mango tart — made with earl grey dacquoise, mango curd, jam, and compote, and vanilla whipped ganache in a sablé tart shell — was truly a decadent treat. The Kouign Amann had the buttery laminations I love.

It's the perfect place to try a fancy, although pretty well-priced, pastry or dessert in this calmer part of downtown. I would definitely stop by again if I'm back in the area, perhaps trying a Salted Caramel Éclair or the Peanut Butter Caramel Drop.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

189 Spring St., New York, NY 10012

Open: Monday - Saturday 8am - 7pm, Sunday 9am - 7pm

Check out more posts from New York City.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Eat in Honolulu: Kona Coffee Purveyors

Black Sesame Kouign Amann and Apple Tart

Ham & Cheese Croissant

Right: Latte and Flat White

My dining companion and I shared an incredible breakfast at Kona Coffee Purveyors, an upscale coffee shop on Kalakaua and Nahua in Waikiki, in late September. They serve expertly-made coffee and pastries from San Francisco's own French bakery, b. patisserie.

Along with our usual latte and flat white — both of which were delicious — we tried a few pastries: the Black Sesame Kouign Amann, the Apple Tart, and the Ham & Cheese Croissant. Although I've had versions of each of these from b. patisserie's Lower Pacific Heights location, they were even more special on this visit. (Was it getting to order after waiting in a long line? Was it that we were in Hawaii? Maybe both.) Although I've had their Kouign Amann before, this one prominently featured the black sesame flavor I love, bringing it to a whole new level. The Apple Tart had a little more oomph and the crumbly bits that make the dessert than I remember. The Ham & Cheese Croissant was topped with an extra crunchiness, giving it a nice texture.

I would definitely stop by Kona Coffee Purveyors the next time I'm looking for a delightful meal of coffee and pastries.

Kona Coffee Purveyors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

2330 Kalakaua Ave., Ste 160, Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Daily 7am - 4pm

Check out more posts from Honolulu.

Monday, October 2, 2023

Eat in San Francisco: b. patisserie (Pt. 2)

Chorizo and Cheddar Quiche

Ham & Cheese Croissant

Ham and Cheese Tartine made with French sliced ham, Swiss cheese, béchamel, parsley, and salt & pepper

Berry and Peach Kouign Amann

Chocolate Banana Almond Croissant

Apple Tart

I haven't been to b. patisserie, a popular French bakery on California and Divisadero in Lower Pacific Heights, since I first reviewed it in 2014. I was able to visit it three times while housesitting in the area in August.

My dining companion and I tried a few things during this time: Chorizo and Cheddar Quiche and Ham & Cheese Croissant for breakfast, Ham and Cheese Tartine for lunch, and Berry and Peach Kouign Amann, Chocolate Banana Almond Croissant, and Apple Tart for dessert. Everything was as good as I remember and show the expertise they're known for.

They have great service and organization to boot, making a very popular spot easy to navigate. Next time I'm in the area, I'll probably order more pastries.

b. patisserie

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Yelp

2821 California St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Open: Wednesday - Friday 8am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 5pm

Check out more posts from San Francisco.

Friday, June 9, 2023

Eat in Santa Monica: Cafe Demitasse

Ham and Cheese Croissant

White Miso Kouign-Amann

Spinach and Cheese Croissant

Left: Breakfast Burrito

Right: Cappuccinos

Latte and Cappuccino

I visited Cafe Demitasse, a coffee shop located on 3rd and Wilshire in Santa Monica, four times in December, over the course of a couple trips to Los Angeles.

I tried a variety of their pastries during this time: the Ham and Cheese Croissant with a gherkin affixed to the top, one that looks like a spiral I remember really liking but totally forgot the name of, the White Miso Kouign-Amann with a thick syrupy layer presented bottom-up, and the Spinach and Cheese Croissant perfect for splitting. Every pastry was quite a treat and a big reason for the repeat visits. I also really liked the Breakfast Burrito, which came with all the fixins I want — egg, potato, avocado, cheese, and some kind of meat — as well as a few sauces in special pouches. Like their beautiful pastries, their coffee is made with a lot of care and precision. My dining companion and I enjoyed our respective lattes and cappuccinos.

It is very likely I will return to Cafe Demitasse when I'm looking for a caffeinated beverage and an innovative pastry in Santa Monica. Since it seems like their pastry selection changes, I'm not sure what I'll have next, but I know it'll be well-made and photogenic.

Cafe Demitasse

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

1149 3rd St., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Open: Monday - Wednesday 7am - 5pm, Thursday - Saturday 7am - 6pm, Sunday 8am - 6pm

Check out more posts from Santa Monica.

Friday, July 14, 2023

Eat in Oakland: Starter Bakery

Peach Danish

I stopped by the booth for Starter Bakery, a local bakery known for their superbly made pastries, at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market in late May. I've had a few of their pastries before, mainly the Kouign-amann, which are buttery perfection.

Since it was the beginning of stone fruit season, I opted for this Peach Danish that was particularly photogenic. As expected, it was the perfect post-hike treat. It contains layers of lamenated goodness and fresh peach on top.

I will definitely stop by the Starter Bakery booth at the farmers' market again, but I also want to visit their relatively new brick & mortar store in Rockridge.

Starter Bakery

Website | Facebook | Yelp

Grand Lake Farmers' Market @ Splash Pad Park

746 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Saturday 9am - 2pm

Check out more posts from Oakland.

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Eat in San Francisco: Breadbelly

Fig-Honey Danish made with figs, honey cream, dark summer jam, and toasted sesame

Breakfast Sandwich made with a fried egg, smoked ham, gruyere, sweet and sour kale, and fermented chili paste on a pandesal bun

Right: Blueberry Violet Lassis

In early September, I visited Breadbelly, a popular bakery and cafe serving pastries balancing Asian and Californian influences, with friends for the first time. Located on Clement and 15th Avenue in the Inner Richmond, Breadbelly is known for their impressive selection of exquisite pastries, sandwiches, and signature drinks.

We tried a few things when we visited: the Fig-Honey Danish, the Breakfast Sandwich, and the Blueberry Violet Lassis. The danish — made with figs, honey cream, dark summer jam, and toasted sesame – was as delicious as it is photogenic. Although I can't remember what it tasted like exactly so many months later, it's clear that it has a flakey crust, reminiscent of a kouign-amann, perfectly prepared figs, and so many sesame seeds to boot. The Breakfast Sandwich was made with a fried egg, smoked ham, gruyere, sweet and sour kale, and fermented chili paste on a pandesal bun — more sophisticated than your traditional morning sandwich. My friend seemed to enjoy his Blueberry Violet Lassis as well.

While quite a trek from Oakland, if I visited Breadbelly in the future, I would try the Kaya Toast, Curry Bun, Sesame Horchata, or one of the other delectable pastries or drinks they serve.

Breadbelly

Website | Instagram | Yelp

1408 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Thursday - Monday 9am - 2pm

Check out more posts from San Francisco.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Eat in Los Angeles: Joan’s on Third

Salad Trio with Toasted Israeli Couscous with mushrooms and shallots, Tarragon Chicken Salad with apples, celery, and pecans, and Grilled Veggies

Prosciutto Sandwich with mozzarella, arugula, and roasted red peppers on ciabatta

Latte

Over Labor Day weekend, I stopped by Joan's on Third for lunch with my mom. Joan's in a popular marketplace and deli that sells a wide selection of sandwiches and salads as well as specialty foods. It was our first time visiting even though we've heard great things about it for years.

I ordered the Prosciutto Sandwich with mozzarella, arugula, and roasted red peppers on ciabatta, which was very good. It came with thick slices of mozzarella, delicious red peppers, fresh bread, and a healthy portion of prosciutto. It was served with a side of (what I assume were house-made) pickles. I also had a perfectly prepared latte.

My mom ordered the Salad Trio which is a selection of three of their daily salad options. She tried the Toasted Israeli Couscous, the Tarragon Chicken Salad, and Grilled Veggies. The couscous came with a good helping of tasty mushrooms, while the chicken salad came with apples, celery, and pecans. The grilled vegetables were also a treat. I would definitely try their sandwiches or salads in the future.

Apart from serving food at their deli, Joan's is also a specialty grocery store. They sell everything from raw honey and cinnamon marshmallows to kouign-amann and salted caramel sauce. It's truly an experience in itself.

If you've visited Joan's on Third, what did you try?

Joan’s on Third
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

8350 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Open: Monday - Saturday 8 - 8, Sunday 8 - 7

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Eat in Oakland: Firebrand Artisan Breads

Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich made with a sausage patty, fried egg, cheddar, and a salted honey biscuit, served with potatoes

Salmon Toast made with German rye, smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, capers, and pink peppercorn

Bread Pudding

I finally visited Firebrand Artisan Breads, an incredible bakery located on Broadway and 24th in Uptown Oakland, for brunch this past weekend. It's a part of The Hive, a collection of stores including everyone's favorite naughty ice cream seller, Humphry Slocombe.

I really enjoyed what I ordered at Firebrand: the Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich made with a sausage patty, fried egg, and cheddar on a salted honey biscuit, and the Bread Pudding. The breakfast sandwich had the hearty flavor I anticipated and the biscuit made me nostalgic for the Bisquick drop biscuits of my youth. The bread pudding was moist and dynamic in flavor and texture. Next time I'll have to stock up on the countless other delicious pastries they have to offer, like the Kouign Amann or Pretzel Sticky Bun.

If you've visited Firebrand Artisan Breads recently, what would you recommend trying?

Firebrand Artisan Breads