Kat's 9 Lives

Traveling to Brea Downtown on a Sunday morning and I had a hankering for some tasty treats.  Ironically I wanted a cupcake and happened to come across Merely Sweets on the way to TAPS Fish House & Brewery.  My main motivation were the cupcakes but it turns out I found a bunch of macarons and other treats instead.  Even though I did pick up a cake, I never really ate it because I bought so many other treats.  O=)
Since it was still early in the morning, there wasn't that many patrons yet and I took the opportunity to take some photos.  It was a very cute little shop.  The colors stood out against the clean white walls.  I enjoyed the cake displays and the fun macaron cakes.
There's also a station where the cooking supplies are displayed that look like a lot of fun.  It would be fun to create and decorate there.
After I finished taking pictures, I left for brunch and came back on my way out.  As I was heading out in the morning, I noticed some people buying the banana pudding.  It stuck in my mind and the other foodies at the brunch party spoke highly of it as well.  So of course on the way back I had to grab some to try for myself and share it with some good friends, including Eating My Way Through OC.  =) It was tasty, light, and refreshing.
On a whim, I ended up picking up a dozen macarons.  I loved the vibrant display case.
The flavors that stuck out and are worth a repeat were : Salted Caramel, Green Tea, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and I think the Earl Grey.
Definitely eat them while they are fresh.  I tried a few on the first day and they were moist.  For me, I personally like the shells to be crisper and the inner layer of the shell to be slightly more chewy for that extra texture.
It was a little too soft for me but the flavors were still good and I learned to eat the flavors you like first so that you can enjoy it more! I use to save the best for last but I am approaching life in a new way these days.  The good thing about the center being softer than the other macarons I have had before is that saving it for the next few days.
Not pictured, a friend recommended the Wall Flowers that looked like Madeleines.  They are nutty cakes that were very flavorful and nicely crafted.  I was a little bad and didn't eat these until a few days later.  To my surprise they were still moist and tasty.  The next time I am there I will be sure to pick some up and eat them fresh.
All in all it was a nice new find.  Even though I never made it to my cupcake and gave it away, I will have to buy another cupcake on my next visit.  I thought the staff there was friendly and made the experience more enjoyable.  Everything that I tried was solid.  Since I don't live close, I think I went a little crazy and bought way too much.  Everything in moderation and it's best to eat it fresh.  Next time around, I will pick up enough for that day or the next at most. 
Merely Sweets
260 W Birch St
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 529-9909

 

As many of you know, I am not biggest fan of Bruxie.  I thought the concept was new and innovative but fell short on execution.  The best thing I tried at the Chapman location was their smoothie.  On a nice warm Sunday I was invited to a media event at TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea and happen to come across a bunch of great eats that I just had to try out.  It's a far trek for me so I better enjoy all I can in one trip!
Even though I had a filling brunch, I could always make room for a smoothie.  I was hoping that they had some tasty concoctions for me to try out.  Someone tempted me by saying they offered a lobster roll, which sadly turned out not to be on the menu.
The store front looks very nice and there are a bunch of seats for people to enjoy the bruxies.  They were a little bit slow to take the order but everyone was friendly there.  I thought it was cute that there was designated corner for take out.  They brought everything to me as it came out.
At first I debated on just getting a Dulce de Leche smoothe but I decided that I should use this opportunity to give their bruxies one more try.  The shake was thick and sweet.  I think their caramel is very smooth but a little too sweet.  Say hello to diabetes, but I guess in a good way? lol I needed a tall glass of milk after consumption.
This time I decided to try something different instead of sticking with the only bruxie I liked at the Chapman location.  I can be too daring at times, but I chose to have the Hot Pastrami Bruxie.  Here is the funny part, I really want to find the ultimate pastrami.  Even though I have been hunting for it and let down many times, I still dive in head/mouth first trying to find the perfect one.  They used Boar's Head Pastrami with Gruyere, Cider Slaw, Sour Pickles, and Spicy Brown Mustard.  I thought the combo of flavors were not bad.  It was reminiscent of a Reuben.  My word of advice is eat it FRESH! Don't take it home because I took a few bites there and finished the rest at home.  There was massive pools of oil dripping everywhere, which was kind of sad and scary at the same time.
All in all it was fine but I definitely wouldn't drive so far for this when there is a closer location near me.  Still, I think the hip vibe and ambiance in this area really makes this location better.  There's tons of other foods and things to do around this area so if you are nearby you can make multiple foodie stops to get your fill.

Bruxie (Brea Downtown)
215 W Birch St
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 255-1188