Large glass paneling with brushed metal studs make up the backdrop to this ultra-hip pastry café on Bellaire Blvd. But the minimalistic, uber-architectural design of this reincarnated Jungle Café is so pristine in its lines and lighting that you almost feel like you’re in a museum rather than a café. You get the “look but don’t touch” feel, not the warm and fuzzies, like the scintillating bakery aromas that normally accompany entry into a pastry shop.
Ah well, nevermind the decor. I’m here for the dessert. And the artfully designed dessert confections beckon any dessert-lover like a dog to a bone. The first time I visited, my eyes roved hungrily over the beautifully rendered offerings and almost went into sensory overload. Not only are the pastries pretty, but their descriptions help me understand the meaning of food porn. The descriptions pay homage to every girl’s dessert fantasy. Take, for instance, my final selection: “PRITANIER: coconut dacquoise, mascarpone cream, framboise coulis, white choc mousse, passionfruit cream.” OMG, Yes! YES!!!!” Add a green and pink French macaroon on top and I’m sold for a mere $4.24. All prices shown including tax, so you know exactly how much you’re going to spend.
The server says the Mango Mousse and Black Walnut Chocolate cake are the most popular, but it’s my goal to try all the eye candy on display one of these days, no matter how many calories I ingest.
Pros: Wonderfully creative patisserie
Cons: The modern design is almost *too* sterile
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