Le Bal – Paris
8 novembre 2015 § 3 Commentaires
Left in abandon for decades, the City of Paris has decided in 2006 to renovate the space and transform it into a photography gallery. It is hard to believe that there is such place in this area: a children playground is facing the modern building and the surroundings are mostly kebab joints and clothing shops. 
But most importantly, you will have to stop at the Bal’s Café as the food is really really.. awesome ! Two chefs, Alice Quillet and Anna Trattles are cooking british inspired dishes with lots of creativity. The week end brunch is quite popular here: pancakes, scones, bacon & eggs.. For cakes, they are the same sold at the coffee shop Ten Belles: pumpkin muffin topped with yogurt, crunchy cookie and the chocolate-raspberry tart. 
Enjoy!
Where? 6 Impasse de la Défense – 75018 Paris
Mori Yoshida – Paris
19 juillet 2015 § 3 Commentaires
After visiting Tokyo last year, I discovered a city which was mastering fine pastries as well as do the French. Many chefs study in France and return to Japan for opening their own shops. Among them some decide to stay in France, as it is the case for Mori Yoshida, who was trained by Philippe Conticini, the chef behind the worldwide renowned « Patisserie des rêves ». The only reference to his japanese roots relies in the Strawberry chiffon cake, otherwise it is a classic « french » pastry shop with viennoiseries, cakes, macarons and fine chocolates.
Mori Yoshida has chosen a calm residential area – far from the usual tourists spots, with local customers who are aware of the quality of the ingredients. I am quite sure he will not stay unknown for a long time as his pastries are true pieces of art. The classic Gateau au chocolat is exactly what you are expecting from it: moist, with a strong chocolate flavor. I also tried the Chocolate Eclair, which has an incredible filling. You will not be disappointed by the viennoiserie as well: I had a crush on the Banana chausson and the Hazelnut financier.
For me he does the best macarons. No fuss, just classic flavors such as Caramel, Chocolate, Vanilla with a really dense and rich filling between the two meringue parts. 
It is located not far from Coutume Cafe, Musée Rodin and the Invalides.
What to try? Macarons for sure, all the viennoiseries and the Eclair !
Where? 65, avenue de Breteuil – Paris 75007
Teakha – Hong Kong
19 octobre 2014 § 4 Commentaires
Teakha was on top of my list of addresses to visit. I saw it in my cityguide, and their Green tea cheesecake looked very tempting. It is hidden in the calm Tai Ping Shan street, near Man Mo temple. The chinese characters « 茶 家 » are for Tea « 茶 » and « 家 » family, house.
They have a vast selection of drinks with tea, and I chose the Chai Tea Latte, (my favorite!) with the cheesecake. Their organic products are from Asia, and their pastries are prepared here.
I have tried so many Chai Latte in different places, I think Teakha’s Chai can be considered as one of the best I have tried until now. The spice was strong and was perfectly matching with my pastry. However, I wish the Green tea taste was more present.
Address: 18, Tai Ping Shan Street / Tel: +852 2858 9185
Website: T-e-a-k-h-a
