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/