10 U.S. Hot Spots for Amazing Pastries
September 14, 2011
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Las Vegas
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10 U.S. Hot Spots for Amazing Pastries
While Paris might always be the pâtisserie capital of the world, there are many great places right here in the U.S. where you can find professionally crafted baked goods. Here are ten wonderful places to sample pastries around the country.
Mrs. London’s: Saratoga Springs, NY
Outside of France itself you will not find a better croissant than the ones prepared daily at Mrs. London’s. Founded in 1977, this little bakery in upstate New York prides itself on preparing the freshest baked goods. Everything is prepared following traditional French baking techniques and only the highest quality ingredients are used. Their pain au chocolate makes the trip to Saratoga well worth the drive.
Mike’s Pastry: Boston, Massachusetts
Specializing in traditional Italian pastries, this is one of the best that Boston’s Little Italy has to offer. If you are looking for unbeatable Biscotti on the East Coast you cannot beat the fifty years of expertise that Mike brings to his baking. This is one of Boston’s greatest gems that promises not to disappoint.
Veniero’s Pastry Shop: New York, New York
Located in the heart of the East Village, Veniero’s Pastry Shop has been continuously owned and operated by the Veniero family since 1894. Having just celebrated its 115th anniversary, this shop has consistently a NYC favorite for their outstanding Italian butter cookies and Cheesecake.
Oak Alley Plantation: Vacherie, Louisiana
Located along the mighty Mississippi between historic Baton Rouge and New Orleans, this plantation has been the “grande dame” of the river since its establishment in 1718. The only thing more famous than its quarter mile canopy of living oak trees is its out- of-this-world multi-layered chocolate cake.
UrthCaffe: West Hollywood, California
Established in 1989, the UrthCaffe is America’s first exclusively organic coffee shop. All of their desserts are baked fresh on the premises with only the best quality, organic ingredients. Their selection of brioche and croissants paired with their fresh roasted, fair trade coffee will get any day off to a beautiful start.
Kiedrowski’s Bakery: Amherst, Ohio
Voted America’s best bakery by the trade publication Baking Buyer this Amherst staple has been pleasing customers around the globe for over 27 years. Specializing in traditional Polish pastries, especially their paczkis, this is one bakery you do not want to miss. If you find yourself in Amherst be sure to try the house specialty “the snoogle”; on any given weekend day 100 dozen of these cheese filled pastries are baked and sold.
Charm City Cupcakes: Baltimore, Maryland
Home to some of the top pastry chefs on the East Coast, Charm City features over 60 varieties of cupcakes. All pastries are baked daily on the premises with only the finest ingredients. This bakery also offers fun baking classes for adults and children.
Jean Philippe Pâtisserie: Las Vegas, Nevada
Located in the famous Bellagio hotel, this is Las Vegas’ premier European style bakery. Come in for their world renowned crepes, cookies and hand crafted chocolates and be amazed by their stunning chocolate fountain. This is truly the best that Las Vegas baking has to offer.
Bennison’s Bakery: Evanston, Illinois
Winner of the 2008 Best California Raisin Bread award, Bennison’s has been serving up traditional European style cakes and cookies since 1938. Their two master bakers offer a daily selection of pastries, including one of their delightful devil’s food cakes.
Potito’s Bakery: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home to some of the best cannolis and zeppolis in the tri-state area Potito’s offer a wide range of Italian pastries and specialty cakes. Potito’s has long been a South Philly favorite, winning all four Reader’s Choice awards in the baking category.
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