Nothing is ordinary when it's at
Extraordinary Desserts, San Diego CA
1430 Union Street, San Diego - (619) 294-7001
2929 5th Ave, San Diego- (619) 294-2132
www.extraordinarydesserts.com
2929 5th Ave, San Diego- (619) 294-2132
www.extraordinarydesserts.com
If you like desserts, this is the place for you. Only found in San Diego, Extraordinary Desserts is known for their selection of desserts and teas. I would say this is my absolute favorite dessert place in San Diego. Karen Krasne, owner of Extraordinary Desserts, has earned credentials from institutions all over the world; she even puts them on display. She has made it easy for me to satisfy my sweet-toothe cravings with her two busy locations. Her menu consists of cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, puddings, ice cream; you name it. Whether you're in the mood for something big or small, there will be an item on the menu that will satisfy your craving. I am in love with their 'La Bete Noir'; it has chocolate mousse, vanilla creme brulee, chocolate ganache all layered in a dark chocolate cake <3 My other favorites would be their 'Torta Misu', 'Gianduia', 'Passionfruit Ricotta', and 'Bloody Orange Ricotta'. When it comes to their teas, I usually order a pot of one my favorites: 'Bourbon', 'Aloha Oolong', and 'Buddha's Garden'. There is no other dessert place like it. Might I add their 'Dulce De Leche' cake was featured on the Food Network show 'The Best Thing I've Ever Ate' ;p It has definitely become one of the famous tourist spots of San Diego. Their menu changes daily so you'll be in for a sweet surprise ;)
Got Chocolat? AND NO it's not chocolate...it's Chocolat
Chocolat Bistro, San Diego CA
3896 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 9210
(619) 574-8500 www.chocolatsandiego.com
There are 2 Chocolat locations in San Diego; one is in Downtown and the other one north of Downtown in Hillcrest. I usually go to the one in Hillcrest because parking is a little better. Their dessert menu consist of gelato, pastries, crepes, tarts, and different chocolate truffles. Their non-dessert food menu consist of paninis, pastas, and salads. They have specials on both their food and their desserts. Their gelato sundaes (shown above) are huge and shouldn't be eaten by one person; so just keep that in mind when ordering. Their decor is casual yet very modern. The dining area and dessert area seating is all together in one room; the only separation is that the dining tables are on the left and the smaller tables and chairs for dessert dining are on the right of the room. They accept walk-ins and reservations for dinner. I have yet to taste one of their food items so I can't comment whether their food is good or bad. However, their gelato and gelato sundaes are REALLY GOOD!
I get my fruit streudels at
Hans & Harrys Bakery, Bonita CA
5080 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902
(619) 475-2253 www.hans-harry.com
This local bakery serves one of a kind streudel. The fruit streudels never fails me when purchased for a birthday or gathering. Everyone loves it as much as I do. Their streudels are literally 2 FEET long and comes packaged in their own signature boxes. I usually get the fresh fruit streudel which has bavarian cream and fresh fruit topped on a crunchy flakey pastry shell. Their other streudel options are napoleon, mocha, black forest, cherry, and tropical. The bakery shop has cakes and other bake goods as well but they are really known for their streudels. I suggest putting in an order prior to pick up just in case they run out. Don't forget to save me a piece ;p
Get out of LA traffic and stop by Porto's Bakery
http://www.portosbakery.com/
Downey
8233 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241 - (562) 862-8888
Glendale
315 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA - (818) 956-5996
Burbank
3614 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA - (818) 846-9100
I get sad when people go here and don't bring anything back for me. Porto's is one of those famous bakeries that you just have to visit at least once. Their menu selection is comparable to Panera's and Specialty's Cafe but BETTER! Their desserts alone is enough for a bakery shop but they have a cafe menu on top of that. I've had their desserts and I have to admit they are quite delicious. My favorite is their tiramisu. As for their comfort food, they have quite the selection. Between their potato balls, chicken croquette, and empanadas, I liked their potato balls the best. I definitely recommend you try these; they are like potato hush puppies stuffed with ground meat in a savory sauce. They are known for their cheese rolls but I have yet to try it; I'll let you know how it is when I do. As for their sandwiches, I've had the caprese sandwich and it was really good. You would think they would only have tomatoes, mozarella, and basil right? Wrong...their caprese sandwich also had prosciutto and capers. It was truly a unique twist to a caprese anything in my opinion. Next time you're stuck in traffic heading up to Los Angeles (which is very likely), stop by a Porto's and pick up a bite to eat or take it with you on the go ;p They have several locations including Downey, Burbank, and Glendale.
My new FAV and coolest dessert place in existence
MOCHILATO14310 Culver Dr. Ste E
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 559-1116
This place is an ALL dessert spot. Open late and wouldn't disappoint. You've seen the boba tea shops and the frozen yogurts places but I'm sure you haven't seen chains or anything remotely close to this place. Mochilato has EVERYTHING your sugar rush needs. They have French macarons, Mochilatos (mochi filled with ice cream), Beard Papa's creme puffs, Taiyakis (Japanese filled waffles shaped like fishes), Manju, Italian gelato and shaved ice. You'll be overwhelmed when you first walk in because there is so much to choose from. Not only do you have to decide what you want, you have to pick what flavors you want. And almost everything on their menu is available in different flavor options. I love their plum mochilato and their orange blossom macarons. There is only one way you'll find out what your favorite is; you have to visit Mochilato ;)
Apple pies N cider in Julian is good when you have it at
The Julian Pie Company
2225 Main Street
(760) 765-2449 www.julianpie.com
Took a ride up to the mountains with a friend for some pie on a bad day; it was one of those days that things just didn't seem to go the way you want. The drive from central San Diego was approximately close to an hour and a half; it was worth it though. The scenery made me envision the simple life on the prairie with green hills, cows, houses, and small houses here and there. Getting to the main street of the town Julian was pretty cool. It's a little street with shops and bakeries. We went to the original Julian Pie Company approximately 5 minutes before they closed. They open from 9am-5pm daily. I had ordered the Apple Mountain Pie and it was so yummy. It had raspberries, strawberries, boysenberries, and of course APPLES! Topped off with a crumb topping :P My friend had their apple pie with crumb topping and he enjoyed it too. We had hot fresh apple cider to go with our pies and that was a great combination. I don't know what they put in their pies and cider but it made my friend and I very full and then sleepy afterwards ;)
Cupcake cravings can be satisfied at
Babycakes
3766 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA
(619) 296-4173 · babycakessandiego.com
This cupcake house is in the middle of the Hilcrest community. Once you walk in, you'll be greeted with friendly staff members behind the counters of beautifully decorated cupcakes. Take your time to pick what you want to order (they all look tempting) because you won't be rushed. Once you find a table you like (inside or outside patio), your cupcakes will be beautifully plated and brought out to you. The cupcakes are moist (not dry like some other spots) and they actually taste like their description. It's cute, it's fancy, you'll enjoy it here ;p
Like the movie
Serendipity, Las Vegas NV
3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 731-7373 www.caesarspalace.com
Like the movie, this place is cute and sweet. This name has been around since the 1950s. Serendipity have several locations including 2 original locations in New York. The closest one to me is the one in Vegas pictured to the right. Their signature dessert is their frozen hot chocolate. We had it and it was big enough to share among 3 people and it was yummy. Another item to share would be their outrageously enormous banana split. I had it in NYC with my friends and it was huge! They do offer a version that has 24 carat gold mix in and gold sprinkled all over (value at $25,000). This was name the 'World Most Expensive Dessert' in the Guinness World Records. Too expensive for me. I find the one we had was still good without breaking our banks ;)
Does Papa have a beard? Or Creme Puffs?
Beard Papas, Los Angeles CA
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 462-6100 www.muginohousa.com
This is probably my favorite place to get creme puffs. There are several locations in LA/OC/SF; you can usually find them at the malls.They bake their puffs fresh every hour and OVERFILL them w/ yummy natural creme. You can choose from a variety of creme fillings including vanilla bean, chocolate, coffee, and green tea. I've had them all and they're all good. One bite and the creme gushes out of there. So be careful not to get the creme on your clothes when you bite into them. They offer other bake pastries too including eclairs; I've just never tried them so I can't comment on how good they are. One thing is for sure though is that I always get a creme puff when I walk by one of their stores...I can't resist ;p
Would 85 degrees make you hot enough to get desserts?
85 Degree Bakery, Irvine CA
2700 Alton Parkway, Suite # 123
Irvine, CA, 92606
(949) 553-8585 www.85cafe.us
Home to many UCI students is a bake shop tucked in Jamboree Rd. This bakery along with many other Asian restaurants/shops in the Diamond Bar plaza are always packed. They serve a variety of items including cakes, coffees, and Asian baked goodies. You'll find a line out the door even at 10 at night on a weeknight. The line is really for their baked goodies. They bake up some fresh Chinese buns for a little over a dollar. The ones you find in the Asian grocery stores do not compare...THEY DO NOT! Once you're in line, you'll be prompt to grab a tray and pick up as many goodies as you want to purchase using the tongs that are available. The staff will then take your tray and wrap your buns in plastic bags and ring your purchase up at the cashiers. I always buy a dozen or more buns to bring back down to San Diego for my family and friends. They like them as much as I do. My favorite would have to be their milk custard bun shown in the picture above. Another thing that's great about their items is that they last for several days; they don't dry out like other places. They stay nice and moist . Always make a good breakfast on the run for me ;p
Went here just for their DESSERT
Kona Grill, Kansas City MO
444 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 931-5888 www.konagrill.com
Soon after we finished dinner at a tapas bar, my friends and I wanted dessert. The dessert menu they had wasn't appealing to us so we spent a lot of time contemplating where to go for dessert. We finally came to the decision that we were going to drive uptown to Kona Grill for their red velvet cake (usually served on birthdays). My friend had called to see if they offered it on their dessert menu, and once they said 'Yes', we dashed on over there. This place was mentioned to me for their sushi but funny how I came here for their dessert and didn't try their sushi. IT WAS WORTH THE DRIVE! Their red velvet cake was DELICIOUS ;) The cake was moist and the frosting was perfect. The portion was big enough to feed 4 girls. We had also ordered the passionfruit creme brulee. That was good too with a little tart twist from the passionfruit. Next time I visit Kansas City, I'll be heading over to Kona Grill probably not just to try their sushi, but also for their dessert ;)
Exquisite dessert place in Boston
Finale, Boston MA
30 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
(617)441- 9797 www.finaledesserts.com
This place is located in the Harvard Square, home to many Harvard law students. The ambiance of the place is quite romantic; inside is quiet and warm companied with slow jazz music in the background. There are a lot of items on the menu and you can order individual orders or one of the set sampler plates. I recommend ordering a sampler plate. We ordered one and I'm glad we did because I got to sample everything! Well I shared the plate with my friends and brother of course ;) Each dessert had a unique twist to them. We tasted their strawberry shortcake, creme brulee, cookies, chocolate mousse, pie, brittle, and other things I don't remember. Served elegantly on a plate, they looked too good to eat. But don't worry, we ate it all ;) I'm sure you will too.
Let's go for a Cannoli Run!!! I did twice ;p
Mike's Pastry, Boston MA
300 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-3050 www.mikespastry.com
Have you ever watched the show Cake Boss on TLC? Well there's an Italian bakery just like it in Boston known for their cannolies and it's Mike's Pastry. I think they have over 100 kinds. I went there twice and it was jammed packed both times. Strings hung down from the ceiling! Once you place an order, they box up your cannolies, and grab a string from the ceiling and tie it up for you. Pretty cool to watch ;p The cannolies were really good!!! I even brought some on the plane with me ;p
I can use an ice cream sandwich at
Diddy Riese, Los Angeles CA
926 Broxton Avenue, Westwood, CA 90024
(310) 208-0448 www.diddyriese.com
I scream...you scream...let's all scream for ICE CREAM SANDWICHES! Located a couple blocks down from UCLA Medical center is a dessert place that is creative and cold. Diddy Riese lets you create your very own ice cream sandwich by just picking an ice cream flavor and two types of cookies of your choice. The cookies are warm and moist; the ice cream is nice and cold. What a great combination! But I have to warn you guys, the line tends to get a little long at night.
It does a belly good when you have a crepe from
Belly Good Cafe & Crepes, San Francisco CA
737 Post St # 393, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-8383
There's plenty of crepe shops around but the best crepe I've ever had was in San Francisco. Located in one of the Japantown plazas, there's a little shack open for seating with over 100 crepe creations to choose from. This place is called Belly Good Cafe. The crepes are made to order and comes up warm and crispy (not soggy like most places).Their filling options consist of ice cream, sweet sauces, and fresh fruits. Together they are a handful to carry LITERALLY. Did I mention they create some really cute characters out of your crepes (as pictured)? This place is open pretty late but I prefer going during the daytime because my crepes were a lot more crispier during the day; maybe it's just that one night when it wasn't as much. But remember to stop by and get a crepe next time you're in Japantown of San Francisco. It will do you not just good... but BELLY GOOD ;P
All you have to do is welcome dessert by having it at
Hello Dessert, San Jose CA
1698 Hostetter Rd # I, San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 453-5566 www.hellodesserts.com
A special friend of mine took me here on my last visit to San Jose and got desserts soon after we had breakfast (which I had also ordered a dessert danish). I had the chocolate puff, tiramasu, and what they called a 'Mai Tai'. The chocolate puff was okay; it was good but I wasn't too into it. The tiramasu was the one I really digged; it was fluffy and light just like a tiramasu should be. The mai tai was layered with fresh mango and pineapple served with mango ice cream and toasted coconut shavings. That was my kind of mai tai ;) The place resembles a casual boba/tea shop. It's nothing extravagant but a good spot to get a quick dessert. It's definitely a place that I would continuously go to if I live in San Jose. I have said to my friend 'what if I wanted to order everything' and his response was 'sure but maybe we'll be here for awhile'; maybe next time I will do just that ;)
This mini Cheesecake boutique whips up some good cheesecakes
The Confectional (Seattle's Pike Place Market)
1530 Pike Pl., Seattle, WA 98101-1527
(206) 282-4422 www.theconfectional.com
These cheesecakes are simply made to perfection. They're not too sweet and they're moist and soft. I got the Kahlua white chocolate and the taste of the Kahlua was very settle. I had a bite of my friend's lemon white chocolate and it was tart and sweet but the lemon was not overpowering. I also had a bite of my friend's raspberry white chocolate and I tasted REAL raspberries in it YUM! These cheesecakes are portioned perfectly for a good treat without the guilt feel afterwards. The size makes it easy to share different kinds as well ;)
Find the line for egg custard tarts at
Golden Gate Bakery
1029 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 781-2627
My rule of thumb for trying new places in strange cities is to go to where the line is. Once again, it did not fail. Except this time, my friend led me to the line of Golden Gate Bakery. She knows good stuff and the line was there to prove it. Golden Gate Bakery (if you couldn't guess by the name) is located in Chinatown of San Francisco. Like many shops in San Francisco, this place is very small. There are no seats inside. You basically walk in, order, and get your goodies boxed up to go. This bakery is known for traditional favorites such as their egg custard tarts, coconut macaroons, lotus cakes, and almond cookies. I have to say their macaroons were really good and stays soft for days after. Their egg custard tarts are light and fluffy; crust is buttery flaky. They just meeeellllllt in your mouth ;p They sell them $16 for a dozen $8 for half a dozen. I can see why people carried boxes of these goodies out the store. And once they run out, they don't make more batches. So you can bet I'll be back in line for some more next time I visit San Francisco. And this line moves pretty fast so don't you worry about it taking too much time ;p
From SF to NYC
Taipan Bakery is the place to be
www.taipanbakeryonline.com
194 Canal Street New York, NY 10013
(212) 732-2222
Okay so if you haven't guessed it by now, I like egg custard tarts ;) Given that, so do my friends! One of my friends recommended Taipan Bakery to me because they have nontraditional egg custard tarts including almond, papaya, and green tea flavor ones. Now where would you find those? Answer: Taipan Bakery. This place is located in Chinatown of NYC. And they have a whole lot more than just custard tarts; they have a variety of specialty cakes, sesame balls, pies, and Chinese pastry buns (shown in the pictures below). My sweet tooth definitely came out once I saw the selection they had. However, I limited myself to just the egg tarts. Have to watch my figure you know ;p They were really good and I'm so glad I tried it ;)
