The Baking Blog of Patrissherie

I'm really excited to finally share with you a bakery that is fantastic!!!  For the lucky Edmontonians, there will actually be 2 reviews of awesome places to dine today!

Let's start with Duchess:javascript:mox();

This is my kind of bakery!!  Upon first steps walking in, the smell of sweet yeast fills the air.  You can tell they produce all their products in-store and freshly made.  It's adorable, french-inspired decor is just as sweet as their gorgeous mini cakes and treats.  They offer a wide range of gourmet baked goods from lavender madelines to macarons; our product review of the day!

They offer over 12 different flavours of macarons such as Rose-water, Coconut, Lemon, and Passionfruit!! I purchased 7:

(From left to right: Maple Brulee, Strawberry, Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Lavender and Pistachio)

I tasted Lavender and Maple Brulee and saved the rest for J.  J is visiting for 2 hours tomorrow and this will be a surprise for him since he does not read this blog frequently.  

The flavours are phenomenal!  The lavender is not overpowering (as if you're eating potpourri), and the buttercream filling is so fresh.  The maple brulee exceeded my expectations.  The brulee topping added an extra crunch to the macaron, creating a texture much like the ones from Vancouver.  The brulee itself was perfectly executed and did not leave a bitter taste.  

The macarons are soft without the crispy shell but still retains an excellent texture when bitten into.

These are much superior products than the macarons from a bakery I've previously reviewed.  Notice how clean the presentation is?

Cost: $1.50 each

Size: Small (Loonie-sized)

Texture: 8/10

Variety: 10/10

Flavour: 10/10

Overall: 8.5/10

Earlier in the day, a girlfriend and I had brunch at this lovely diner: High Level Diner javascript:mox()

They offer a delectable menu from Mimosa to Farmer's Omelet with home-made ketchup.

What they're really famous for is their Cinnamon Rolls.  They come to the table warm and fresh from the oven.  My girlfriend suggested we order ours to go, as they are the size of half a loaf of bread.  

The modest brioche is knotted and crusted with gorgeous blend of cinnamon and brown sugar.  I recommend eating it warm (microwaved mine after bringing it home).  However, don't let it cool again after re-heating as it becomes too chewy afterwards. 

This is not the kind of cinnamon roll you find at the franchise stores, covered in cream-cheese frosting.  This is a gorgeous breakfast bread, made with time, patience and care.  The cinnamon sugar is carefully baked into the bread, creating a crunchy sweet crust.  The sugar caramelizes beautifully without leaving a messy goo.  

Despite it's rustic appearance, it's definitely swoon-worthy.

Cost: $3.75

Flavour: 8/10

Size: Half a loaf of bread

Texture: 8/10

Overall: 8/10

Cheers!!! Happy Dining!