Review - Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie - Portland, OR

Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie

After a 3 hour drive from Seattle to Portland our group was craving something sweet.  We had heard good things about a bakery in the Alberta Arts District, Garden Of Eden, or something like that.  So we decided to drive a little more to go there.  As we arrived at the bakery, we walked in, realized it was a Vegan bakery, and got terribly disappointed.  I'm not Vegan, so not down with the Vegan bakery - I've had bad experiences with Vegan Bakeries and their chickpea flour. ugh. It was pouring rain out, but we decided to walk down the street and see what we could find.  We were thinking that even a Starbucks would suffice.  

Review - Bouchon Bakery - Las Vegas, NV

Bouchon Bakery

I love that I don't have to go to Yountville to get a Bouchon Bakery fix...We visit Las Vegas frequently, and if we are at the Venetian, we stop at Bouchon Bakery.  Even if it's just for a giant Macaron or a Chocolate "Bouchon".  

Easter 2011 - Lunch and Cookie Decorating!

I wasn't raised in a religious family. And as much as I am aware that this will offend people, celebrating Easter really isn't much more than a commercial holiday to me - and I love to have an excuse to buy brightly colored decorations and get my family together!

Review - Simply Desserts - Fremont - Seattle, WA

Simply Desserts

Although I do appreciate a Trophy cupcake from time to time, I really prefer a slice of cake. The perfect ratio of frosting and cake - not to mention it's so much easier to eat!

Simply Desserts in Fremont owns my sweet tooth. Whether it's the Chocolate White Chocolate or the Blueberry Lemon - every single bite has been heavenly.

Review - Dahlia Bakery

Dahlia Bakery

Where does one find the best doughnuts in Seattle? Not at Top Pot.  Definitely not at Krispy Kreme.  They are at the Dahlia Bakery!  As you enter, you can smell the baked goodness of fresh breads wafting in the air.  You can pay more to have them served on a plate at Lola during brunch or at the Dahlia Lounge, but why?  Dahlia Bakery is right next door to Dahlia Lounge, and across the street from Lola, and a bag of 6 doughnuts is $6.  (used to be $5 not so long ago, but eh, inflation, no worries).

Review - Book Bindery

Book Bindery

Walking in to Book Bindery, you immediately feel the warm welcoming vibe as if you entered into a familiar place. The atmosphere feels like the love child of Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. The dim lighting and soft glow from the candle lights make it cozy.

Review - Bouchon Bakery

Bouchon Bakery

As soon as you walk towards Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery, you can smell the sweetness wafting by.  Outside is an adorable ice cream tricycle.  I know I am far away from the city when I am in Yountville. 

Review - Bottega Ristorante

Bottega Ristorante

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On a recent trip to Yountville, My SO and I decided to try Bottega, we loved the outdoor patio overlooking the garden area.  We opted to sit outside which was perfect.  It wasn't too hot out, it wasn't too cold.   I didn't realize that Bottega was Food Network chef Michael Chiarello's Napa Valley restaurant, until after our dinner when we visisted Napa Style, the store right next to the restaurant.  

Recipe - Triple Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies

These cookies are the perfect chocolately indulgence.  They are chewy like a brownie and crispy like a cookie!  Instead of drizzling the white chocolate on top, I tried to make heart shapes, for the whole Valentine's Day theme, but the hearts didn't turn out so well.  I think that was a combination of my bad piping skills and the melted chocolate was too runny.  I'd opt for the drizzle next time for sure!

Triple Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies