Gourmandise = Indulgence

My love for this small little place started from a local newscast. One day they were featuring Gourmandise (295 S 300 w) and they were eating off the breakfast menu which included... are you ready for this?? ... creme brulee oatmeal. I almost died. Now, amazingly enough the couple times I have been to Gourmandise I have yet to try it because I always make it in for lunch.

I have written in the past I am not a big fan of pastries. This place brings it to a whole different level. Slices, whole cakes, tarts, cookies, breads, and a regular menu with home made items. My first items to try were the marzipan cake which I didn't even use a fork. I just took the slice and ate it! It was smooth, creamy, and I really loved the design on the top. I also ordered a slice of pumpkin bread pudding. Don't roll your eyes at me. I know it surely is an acquired love, but please I beg you, try it at least once. Make sure it is good bread pudding as well. (I make a mean eggnog bread pudding for Christmas every year)

I don't know if it is the wet texture that people don't enjoy, but this piece was amazing. I think I need to go back for seconds. I am looking forward to trying their ciabatta bread because it is enormous, as well as the challah for some home made french toast!

I have only been in at lunch. This particular time I was in a bit of a hurry and they were very accomodating and quick. I was met with too many decisions. Do I get the reuben? Maybe basil egg salad sandwich. I went with a half a sandwich and soup. Gourmet grilled cheese. Cream cheese Parmesean spread-provolone- feta- grilled carmelized onions- tomatos. Wow. Then there was the homemade cream of mushroom soup. No canned mushrooms here. This was legit!

Gourmandise has been in Salt Lake for over 20 years. Jean-Jacques Grossi is the general manager and head chef. He worked his way through French culinary school and to this day continues to refine his pastries. The location has limited parking, but the feel inside is that of a cosy cafe.


Even if you have just a moment and you are in the area stop in for a quick sweet and a cup of coffee or whatever might be your fancy.


http://gourmandisethebakery.com/index.html

One Sweet Slice

Normally I can come up with something cute and fun for the title, but this business' name surely describes itself!

As I usually do, I was just wandering around and drove past One Sweet Slice in South Jordan. I had to do a U-turn because I didn't want to miss this opportunity to visit a new business! Each cupcake location I have written about has a certain environment when you walk in the door. As soon as I stepped foot in the door, I didn't want to leave. You are greeted by tables and chairs and some dummy cakes. To the right is the adoreable cupcake display case.

It is hard to find a business that is as simple as cupcakes that is  warm and welcoming. Usually there are a couple tables and the counter and that is about it. Not One Sweet Slice.
 It is spacious! Lovely! Fun! The creator of this business has made something more of just cakes and cupcakes. She has made it a community event. Offering amazing parties, super fun cakes, and delicious cupcakes and cake bites.

I had to try a cupcake I have never seen in a store before, it was Mexican Hot chocolate. I think one of my most favorite parts of it was the packaging. An adoreable box that slides open. Genious! The cupcake was not dry, the flavors weren't overwhelming, and I definitely wished I had bought more than just one. However, I did try the cake bites. I am very particular about those little tasty morsels. These were not overly dense. I liked that they didn't stick to my teeth as previous ones have. You could actually taste the flavor in each one, and they didn't break the bank but were just enough to satiate. 

 

This is Ti. He is super awesome and if he is working in the store he will help you pick out an amazing cupcake and one of his handmade cake pops!!

If you're looking for just a tasty treat or need a moment to sit down and relax after lunch at Downtown Philly just around the corner, I highly recommend One Sweet Slice.

http://www.onesweetslice.com/

Bruges Waffle and Frites

While I sit down to contemplate how to even begin to describe how I felt eating at Bruges Waffle and Frites, all I can think about is the waffle melting in my mouth and the sweet crystalized sugar dancing on my taste buds!!!


When you visit Uffens market place across from Pioneer Park (336 W 300 S) in downtown Salt Lake, it is hard to chose between Tony Caputos, Carluccci's bakery, or Bruges Waffle and Frites. I will write about the other two down the road, but today my friends, today is all about Bruges. The store is small. The menu is simple. The food is amazing.

The girl that helped me at the counter took time to explain how it all worked. She told me about the waffles, and then she told me about how the frites (aka fries) are made. You have two waffle bases: vanilla and cinnamon. I went with vanilla. Then you can choose a topping if you like. Dark Belgian chocolate, fresh strawberries, creme fraiche, vanilla bean ice cream, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and speculoos (which I had to Google, and it is a cookie that has been turned into a spread)!! Now, keep in mind, each one of these toppings cost extra. I went with the creme fraiche.. YUM! For those of you unfamiliar with creme fraiche, it is a french version of sour cream. However, it is not sour at all, even though it is made in a simliar process. Think whip cream but thicker and more amazing.


I wish there was an easier way to explain how happy my mouth was when I took the first bite of my piping hot waffle. It was almost like ... well... a hot sugar cookie but better!! I wanted to savor it, but I wanted to just eat more and more of it. The best part is even after I had my frites, I could still taste the waffle.

Now, I may have written before that I am not much of a fried food eater. I was however looking forward to double fried french fries. There is nothing worse than a soggy french fry. Blech. Since I got my frites to go, they came in a bag. I think they normally are served in a cone shape paper. THEN, then comes the magic. Sauces galore! I had a hard time chosing. I went with the andalouse (peppers, cayanne pepper, mayo base, basil, mustard and seasonings) and the Brasil (tomato sauce, pineapple, honey, curry) These sauces were like night and day eaten next to each other. It was dip a fry in the sweet, dip a fry in the spicey. I couldn't really make up my mind.

Bruges also offers something called the Machine Gun sandwich. It is a baugette, lamb, the andalouse sauce, and STUFFED, yes I said STUFFED with the frites. Do you dare?


The gentleman that started this company is from Belgium. He is from the town of Bruges. These yeast waffles are sold by street vendors. Lucky people, right? When you are on the website for Bruges Waffles and Frites make sure to read the history of the waffles and the frites. Quite fun and interesting.


Visiting this place reminded me of the passion I have for local food places and renewed my excitement for tasty morsels!! Please make sure if you are downtown that you stop in and enjoy a waffle, frites, or both! Yes, your pocket will be a little lighter, but your tastebuds will be satiated and happy with how amazing this food is!


I can't wait to go back. Definitely a Utah treasure, even if it did come from miles away!!
http://www.brugeswaffles.com/main.php

Hankering with a Sweet Tooth

Cute, Girly, and Sweet.

When I walked into the location of the Sweet Tooth Fairy in Provo (East Bay), those were the thoughts that crossed my mind. I had passed the Draper location several times, but I never had an opportunity to stop in. I enjoyed the simplicity of the shop set up, and from what the girl was saying they were in the middle of a remodel as well. I love shops like this because they aren't overwhelming. The layout is simple. The cases are in front of you and everything is lined neatly with a menu that isn't confusing to read. I want to also send a shout out to the amazing girl that helped  me. I soon learned she had a love for food just like I did. I would definitely go back to this location just to have another conversation with her, however I feel bad I didn't catch her name.

I've written before that I think cupcakes are a fad. I still believe that. However, they are a simple fad that I have recently learned in my own kitchen, is COMPLETELY as creative as you want to make them! Not to mention cupcakes are easy to eat and you don't have to leave any evidence!!


At Sweet Tooth Fairy you have your option of cupcakes, cake bites, cookies, and brownies/bars. I needed to get a good opinion going, so I bought a cupcake, three cake bites, and a bar. I am very particular about cupcakes. Dry is bad. Yes, unforutnately it happens, but thank heavens this was not one of those experiences. I chose a raspberry lemonade cupcake. These flavors were amazing! I was more impressed there were fresh raspberries in the actual cupcake. Divine, especially since I love raspberry seeds. The frosting wasn't overly sweet, and the lemon flavor was just right. There were a lot of cupcakes to chose from. This place has a special vanilla cupcake that I will look forward to trying and I usually go for red velvet anywhere I go, but that will have to be for my next trip! Right now, my mouth is watering for another raspberry lemonade ...

The bar I bought caught my interest because it was a combination of butterscotch and marshmallow. Who doesn't love that? (please don't raise your hands) I loved the idea of this, but I guess I expected it to be a little more moist with a little more of each of the flavors. Although, I know sometimes getting marshmallows to keep their flavor and consistency in baking can be difficult. I would probably try it again.


Then there were the cake bites... Again, another trend/fad. Cake bites and cake pops are easy to eat and don't make you feel like you've just consumed a whole slice of cake. They are pretty easy to make as well. These were about the size of a half dollar. And they cost a dollar a piece. *gasp* Oh, the price you pay for fun food!! I decided to try a variety. I got a red velvet one, a fairyfetti, and a double fudge. I am not a chocolate person and I think the double fudge was the best one of all. The white chocolate they are dipped in over powers the cake flavor I think, and the cake is very dense and really moist. They are super cute, and one of the best selling items at Sweet Tooth Fairy. Definitely worth trying, but I think I will stick to the cupcakes.

 Every business has a story and Sweet Tooth Fairy is no different. It is one of "bringing smiles to people with a cookie." Megan Faulkner Brown is the creator of this cute shop. Not only was she able to create a fun product but she knew how to market it. To me, that is one of my most favorite parts of local businesses and I love learning about people like Megan. Her product has been on Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart, and QVC. Too much fun being able to sell yourself and what you love!!!

Check it out if you need a snack on the way to the theatre, or outdoor/indoor movie, or just need something to calm that sweet tooth!!!

 

UPDATE TO SWEET TOOTH FAIRY: THEY ARE CHAMPIONS ON FOOD NETWORKS "CUPCAKE WARS" CONGRATS GIRLS!

http://thesweettoothfairy.com/Default.aspx

Tea for Two.. Two for tea..

If I could pull up a chair and sit and talk with my mom for hours here, I would do it in a heart beat. This is "our" place to spend time and enjoy a cup of tea. Next time we may have to do it with proper elbow length gloves.

Located just west of Main Street on Broadway (3rd South) in Salt Lake City, is the quaint Beehive Tea Room. Imagine stepping back into Victorian times, perhaps even the 1940's, where art; music; and tea were the talk of the town. I have been to this location more than once, and every time I am there the music always catches my attention. It's like old Hollywood. You order your tea/drink and if you want to eat, your food, at the counter. They are nice enough after preparing it to bring it out to the table you pick.


One of my most favorite parts about the Beehive Tea Room is that it has a little counter with all their teas and you can sniff each one!!! Heaven! I am usually a green tea fan, but I can always go for a good Lapsang or Oolong. Then you get to pick which room and table you are going to sit at. I am obsessed with the wall in the middle room. I would love to have that in my house! Each room is filled with paintings and lamps and books throughout each room complete the ambiance.

When my mom and I visit we usually get scones and their wonderful tea sandwiches. Who doesn't love tea sandwiches? I prefer the ones with what I think is spinach spread, but they are both tasty. My mom loves the scones. Sometimes she gets them with clotted cream, and sometimes just butter.

Not only can you stop in for tea anytime, but they offer a traditional Afternoon Tea. They also are available for bridal showers and parties. Too fun! Whether you are in town just for the afternoon, or you make a special trip, it is always worth it. It is nice finding a place you can settle into and not feel rushed, I promise.

http://beehivetearoom.com/

Doughnut-cha want some of these???

One can only drive by a tasty looking place with curiosity for so long. This one, I would say about 2 years. What took me so long you ask? Children cover your eyes... I don't really like doughnuts. It's not personal. A few years ago I cut out fried food, and that was one of the things that went. Every once in a while I have a craving, so I go for it. This was definitely worth that craving!



Located on 12300 South just west of I-15 is a wonderfully cute little shop called Beyond Glaze. They recently opened in Salt Lake as well, but since I was on my way to work I decided to stop at the one in Draper. I believe it was the first shop in that plaza, but is now surrounded by a sub shop, a Chinese restaurant, and a salon of sorts. Perfect right? Lunch, spa, dinner, and dessert!! or better yet, breakfast, lunch, spa, and dinner all in one spot!

Walking inside all I could think was "oh this is so cute!" There is a lovely little awning that covers the kitchen door behind the display case. Then your eyes are completely overwhelmed with the beautiful doughnuts and pastries. I really wanted to buy one of each just to have a taste. At 1.85$ a piece I decided it was best if I just picked the ones I really wanted to try first, then I could come back another craving. How does a food writer even begin to explain the vibrant frosting colors used to design the tops of these doughnuts? Or the delicate touches used to create the flavors that are listed on the name tags? These are not your mothers doughnuts!! No surprise I had to try a s'mores! These are all basic glazed doughnuts by the way. This one was topped with chocolate drizzles, carefully placed graham crackers, and of course marshmallow fluff! This tasted more simple than it looked, which was perfect because my teeth should have already been hurting just looking at them right? Then I gravitated towards the red velvet. Honestly, I was a little underwhelmed by this one, it really just tasted like a basic cake doughnut. However, the frosting on top was very cute. And for the grand doughnut of all grand doughnuts... wait for it... topped with chocolate drizzle and sugared bacon!!! Yes folks, I said it, bacon. I could definitely eat another one of these. Maybe even two. I have no idea how they made the bacon the way they did, but it was cooked perfect and the sweet with the salty is one of my all time favorites. There was at best 20 flavors to chose from. From savory to fruity.

Cake decorators were the ones that came up with this idea. Who wouldn't want to have beautiful doughnuts for their business meeting, wedding luncheon, or even at their wedding?? How fun!! Now remember, stop for breakfast(the first doughnut), then the salon, then lunch, and maybe even back for another doughnut!

 http://www.beyondglaze.com/

I didn't believe in a good pastry... til now!!

Friday on the way to work I was surprised by a tiny shop in a strip mall in American Fork called Shirley's Bakery. I quickly looked them up online, wondering why in the world I didn't know about this place yet, and saw they have been around in Utah County since 1966! Wow- that is staying power! Their original location is located in Provo.

I have a confession to make. . . As a baker, I do not usually care for any kind of pastries. I don't enjoy the dry flakiness of them. (yes, I am aware that is the traditional build of pastries all over the world.) That being said, my whole perception and faith in pastries has been restored after visiting Shirley's Bakery today. When I walked in the door, there were two ladies busy behind the counter. The shop is small with a case for the pastries and a couple of shelves for bread, rolls, and the sweet rolls to be picked up and carried out in large quantities. I had to purchase one of the sweet rolls because my aunt raved about them. I chose a raspberry filled one. It was soft, the frosting was just the right amount, and the raspberry wasn't dripping everywhere. I also tried a pastry that was swirled with some raspberry, dipped in a light glaze with crushed peanuts it tasted JUST like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but so much softer.

There is something magical about these goodies. They are made from scratch recipes and you can taste that. It's like when you bake a loaf of bread and it comes out of the oven nice and soft. Every pastry I had was like that. No crustiness anywhere!! Well, I have to admit, I went back today for more!! And good news was it was just before close and they offer what is left from the day at 30% off! I highly recommend the pull aparts!

http://shirleyshomemadebakery.com/our-products/pastries/