Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Sweetest Things


Let's not tiptoe around the truth: this last week was full of sweets, all hand-made in Seattle. This city's not known for its bakers, but I envision many tempting walks to the pastry case this spring and summer.

The first treats came from Honore in Ballard, via friendly recommendation. The pastry of choice: the Kouign Amann, a buttery, sugary, sticky, slightly-salty circle of flakey pastry. I also picked two macaroons: salted-caramel coconut and coffee. Fragile, delicious. Loved the lighthouse coffee and the weird-but-friendly baristas. We will definitely be back to Honore.

Moving from Wallingford, we left things behind: the phenomenal view from Gasworks, a walking commute to work, tasty vegan thai. But we didn't leave behind the chocolate. After Indian on Friday, we stopped at Chacolati in Greenwood for a mocha and spicy hot chocolate, plus two little peanut butter cups. The cozy coffeeshop smells like a box of truffles. A bit much for my morning caffeine, but pretty perfect after dinner.

The kitchen at work is consistently stocked with free food: big platters of Thai from some lunch, assorted cookies, bagels, muffins, gift baskets from anonymous and grateful friends, a random loaf of bread (I don't know who left the whole wheat last week, but thanks for the toast!).

Mid-week, hidden behind a pile of japanese chips and cookies in iridescent gift-basket cellophane, I found a small square cake covered in chocolate curlicues -- not just a cake, but a superfluffy hazelnut chocolate mousse from Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle, on a crunchy chocolate base. I considered grabbing the cake and running for home, but beyond the impracticality of jogging with mousse, taking only my fair share seemed best. I do love desserts, but sharing is sweetest. :)

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