Kat's 9 Lives

Every time I have a delicious bread in San Francisco, I often question if it came from Acme Bread Company. While I was at the Hog Island Oyster Co. in the Oxbow Public Market, I noshed on some delectable bread. The Hog Island Oyster Co. in the Ferry Building serves bread from the Acme Bread Company so I wondered if they transport their bread all the way here. To solve my curiosity, I asked and they told me that they get their bread from a local bakery called Model Bakery. Of course I had to make a trip around the corner to peruse around their shop for some baked goods.
Here they offered a variety of cakes, cookies, pastries, and breads. Definitely a great local bakery in Napa. I had been stuffing myself the entire weekend and didn't want to be too greedy that day so we only picked up cookies. The cookies were a hearty size. I enjoyed the Almond Macaroon, which was like a giant almond meringue or just the outer cookie of a macaron. The almond flavor was pretty strong. I liked the chewy texture.
All in all it was a nice stop for extra snacks. We had so many desserts left over from the trip. I just wished I had all the stomach room and the magical ability to NOT gain weight from all these indulgences. O=P

Model Bakery
1357 Main St
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-8192

I haven't had Persian Cakes before a graduation celebration at our school. My classmates sweet family brought her a super long and beautiful Persian cake. The long cake has many sections and they were all different flavors with different toppings. My favorite flavor was the Pistachio or the Caramel. I asked them where they got the cake and I believe they said that they bought it from Palace Bakery in the same plaza as Jordan. The first time I came here was a Monday and unknown to me, they are closed Mondays! lol Grrr! So many weeks or months passed again for me to trek down there again for cake. One day I went with Lil Bel after our day of adventure but they only had one cake left... =*(
The only flavor was a Cappuccino Cake. It looked beautiful and had the delicious Strawberries glazed over by a thin gelatinous layer that was reminiscent of marshmallows. I asked about the other flavors and they said that they had run out. You can always order the cake a day in advance. =*( I decided to take the Cappuccino Cake since I was already here. Maybe it would be good. For $12, I thought why not. ^_^ The cake was moist and fluffy but I was not a big fan of the flavor. I like the light airy flavor of Pistachio versus having the cake flavored and sweetened just a bit much for me. Still, the cake was good and I devoured the yummy strawberry. Maybe the next time I am shopping at Jordan I will mosey on over to see if they have the other flavors for me to try. O=9
Although it is not pictured here, I did buy an assortment of their cookies and baklavas. They were all pretty nutty and good. Even though their baklavas were not made with pistachios, they were still well made, sweet, and flaky. I personally still like it better with pistachios. All in all it's not a bad bakery. Although I still need to revisit some other ones nearby and try some more of their cakes. Palace Bakery was very reasonably priced for the cake that I bought. If I ever have a special occasion, I'd be tempted to get that super long Persian Cake. ^_^

Palace Bakery

After seeing all the rave reviews about Cafe Blanc, I had to try them out. As fate would have it that day I was driving to Susie's Cakes to be adventurous and I happened to come across them along the way back! What else could I do but make a sharp right turn into the plaza to explore. Funny thing is that last night I just drove by it again and this is what prompted me to finish this post! lol Their location is really hidden away as it faces a Mexican restaurant. It's a tiny place facing away from the main street.
The inside is very quaint and simplistic. There aren't that many tables for big groups. I was only there for a quick grab and go. I must say that a lot of their pretty desserts seem to have framboise, raspberry. To be honest, I detest most things with raspberry so my choices were very limited. I really wanted something pretty and delectable because I want a really good picture! lol In then end I settled with the Doux Chocolate that was White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Mousse. It was very rich and had a soft texture. The flavors were good but I was definitely not blown away. There wasn't any wow factor and it is not something I can't get elsewhere. Also for the price, I think I could do a lot better.
I also went a little crazy and bought some of their Macarons and Truffles, but they didn't last very long. Not in the good way either. I was not able to have them as they crumbled and melted so easily. This made me sad since I did spend a lot on everything. It's not an arm and a leg but for the value I should have been raving about everything I had. As my friends and loyal readers know that I don't skimp if it is worth it, but for me... this wasn't. The good thing is I am going to make Ms. Lin bring me delicious Macarons from Paris! The question is how I get them from SF! lol
Cafe Blanc
298 E 17th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 631-9999

It's astounding that I have not posted about this place. I have so many pictures hidden on many hard drives lol. Here is the most recent visit to Jin's Patisserie. It's a small, quaint, and zen patisserie on Abbot and Kinney Blvd. The small courtyard where you can sit and enjoy pastries with freshly brewed tea. They have special cakes on the weekends so be sure to get there early enough to snag one. We came after our meal at Ocean and Vine for an after lunch and dessert... snack? haha O=9
They don't have that many tables so when we arrived during the afternoon we had to wait for a table. I immediately ran in to stake my claim on the Spring Bouquet and to check out what cakes are left in the case. There were only 2 Spring Bouquets left and I made sure they were mine. O=9 I have had a bunch of their cakes and I always try to experience a new flavor. Burumun's favorite cake has always been the Spring Bouquet and I tried it a long long time ago but didn't quite like it that much. As time has moved on, she always gets a Spring Bouquet for her B-day and last year I got to sneak a piece that has turned over a new leaf. I really liked it! Hence this time around with Ms. Lin and PK, I had to have it and take one home. Actually sitting here typing and looking at the photos, I really want to go up to LA for cake now! lol Any takers? O=)
It was a very very cold and windy afternoon. The heat lamps were on and the three of us were bundled together to keep warm. We were all in the mood for a hot drink. PK and I decided to try out their Hot Chocolate. We both thought it was a bit pricey when we saw it on the menu for $5.50 but we both weren't in the mood for tea. Everything here is a bit pricier but worth it and the same theory applied to the Hot Chocolate. It came out in a pot! PK and I were both shocked. I was lucky enough to catch a photo as the server was pouring. ^_^ The Hot Chocolate was very thick, rich, and dark... but way too much after a cup. If we had knew that it was a pot, PK and I would have shared. It was almost torture trying to finish it off. Also, with the cakes you have to be very careful or you won't be able to taste the delicate flavor.
Ms. Lin decided to try the Adéle H Black Tea. "In the spirit of the traditional Chai tea, with Assam and spices, this combination of a thousand fragrances is a tribute to India and its splendor. A beautiful blend mixed with rare tea blossoms, spices, chili and vineyard peach." The tea comes out freshly brewed in a small pot. Ms. Lin thought the tea was fine but wished that they would just pour more hot water in to continue the brew, but sadly they only give you the tea in the pot. So for the price, it really isn't that worthwhile. They also had changed their tea in the past year and I don't think they are as good as before.
I of course got the Spring Bouquet that is Fluffy Meringue, Light Exotic Cream with Fresh Mango and Strawberries. The Meringue melts in your mouth and the flavor just pops. Everything blends together perfectly. It is fresh and light. I can sit there and eat a million of these without feeling heavy or any guilt. O=9 This was the winner of the table as everyone devoured it. Every bite was light and chewy with delicious fresh fruits. Mmmmm Mmmm GOOD.
Ms. Lin decided to try the Inspiration that is Soft Caramel and Bittersweet Chocolate with a touch of Sea Salt. The cake was moist but it was way too sweet. After a few bites the flavor just takes over the mouth and you definitely can't drink the Hot Chocolate with this. Water please! lol I wished the caramel had a hint of burnt flavor and a tad more sea salt.
PK decided to get the Green Tea that is Mousse made from Green Tea along with Red Bean Paste. As soon as I saw the Red Bean, Azuki, I knew that cake was not for me. Still, I am open to trying anything out. The flavors were light and smooth but it didn't have any wow factor. I think the Spring Bouquet was the perfect balance of flavor and delight.
All in all it was a nice evening and experience. Even though we were cold, good times were had by all. I relished the Spring Bouquet. Now I just want more! lol While we were sitting there they were sampling cookies. First they missed us and eventually made their way to our table. They were sampling the Lavender Shortbread and a Chocolate Covered Nut. The chocolate was good but the Shortbread was unimpressive. My favorite cookie is the Cornflake cookie because of the extra texture that jumps out at you. Nonetheless, I love coming here and I always enjoy my dessert or lunch. ^_^
Jin Patisserie
1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-8801

Today's photo has a special appearance of PK ^_^ at Givral Bakery. She's too cute to put on the site so I chose a backside photo. PK recommended this place along one of our food runs. We ended up parking really far away so we had to walk a bit to reach our destination. Since it had her stamp of approval, I had to give it a try and the cakes looked really pretty and inviting. Beware that they don't speak much English. Point and order, it's almost pointless to ask questions.
I picked up the Pate Chaud because they looked tempting and I haven't really had one in a Vietnamese bakery. There wasn't much flavor in the meat. The crust was flaky but bland as well. It's only 75 cents so you can't expect that much, but I wouldn't get them here again.
The cakes came highly recommended so I picked up two mini cakes, Mango and Mocha. Maybe I had too high of an expectation, but they were mehhhh.... The cake was fine but the frosting... OMG! It is just lard and no flavor. I didn't finish the cakes and put it in the fridge... the next day it was as hard as a rock... You could peel off the frosting and feel the immense grease on your hands... I am sorry but that was just gross and vile. Imagine that inside your heart clogging it up AND not even tasting good to top it off! Luckily I peeled it off and just ate the cake, but gave up on that too.
My sister was awestruck by the pretty cakes while we were there. Since we always delay celebrate her B-day I bought her any cake of her choice. She chose outer beauty versus what is inside! lol She wanted the pretty purple cake but didn't want what was inside... tsk tsk Inner beauty is more important than outer beauty! lol The cake was a Mixed Berry with tons of Blueberry. I didn't like the filling. For some odd reason it just didn't work for me and made me nauseous. Everyone else thought it was alright but I just gave up my piece to someone else. The cake was moist and light. They do make pretty cakes, if only the inside reflected their outer beauty.

All in all the cakes are pretty but I don't know about the taste. I still think the cake I had for my B-day was better. It could have been a fluke that day where they actually made a delectable cake, but none have come close lately ^_^ Still it was nice to try the place out and hang out with PK... and of course Ms. Lin. I am always up for a food adventure!

Givral Bakery

I really like the photo with the Strawberry on top of my favorite cake at Sweet Lady Jane. It is just so eye-popping and tempting. I need to stop by again and give them my money!
They are located near Melrose Ave. and La Cienega Blvd. I have been coming here since college and I keep coming back. The prices are generally $6 for a slice, a pie, or a tart. They also offer cookies, scones, pecan rolls, and more that are priced differently. There are different special desserts served on the weekends.
Now they offer these beautiful mini cakes that are well-designed. The Peach Pies looked splendid and so inviting. There was also a nice Lemon Meringue tucked in the back. I was almost greedy enough to buy everything in sight, but then reality hits again! Unfortunately I'm not a millionaire and this will cost me literally and physically! lol
Be sure to come here as early as possible to get the cake you want by the slice. There have been many times that they run out and I am forced to buy a small cake her to satisfy my craving. To be safe, I would recommend that you call ahead to reserve the cake.
They are extremely popular for Hollywood parties. I have run into random people picking up cakes for after parties and more. All the cakes are pretty and elegant. I personally recommend the Chocolate Cakes and not the Yellow Cakes.
Tofu and I decided to try the Custard with Fresh Fruits. The crust tasted very awkward and didn't compliment the custard. I thought it needed to be firmer because it was a mess to eat. Sadly, this was the first and only thing he had. He should have stuck with one of my favorites. Sometimes it's better to stick with what you love. I will be quite skeptical to try something new.
My favorite cake is the Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberries. The chocolate is velvety and thick. Everything comes together swimmingly. Surprisingly the sweetness of the chocolate does not take away from the natural sweetness of the strawberries but enhances the taste. The chocolate layer in the back gets a little too sweet for me by itself so I distribute the layer throughout each bite.
What I love as a weekend special is the Jane-oli! It's suppose to be on the weekends and it's not every day that you can find it. This time I decided to ask and they told me that they would be able to make one in about 20 mins. Of course I didn't mind waiting for the chance to sink my teeth into that heavenly delight! To make things even better, the server brought it and told me that it's on the house! I was like WHOA! Score! A Nutty Candy Shell envelopes a flavorful and creamy White Chocolate Mousse. At which the ends are dipped into Milk Chocolate to seal the dessert. The crisp yet delicate texture of the shell enhances the silky texture inside. I need to go there again soon and get some more!
All in all this place has some great desserts if you know what to order, but of course everyone has their own tastes. Overall I like this shop and it gives off a nice feel. It's a quaint store that fits the image of places on Melrose Ave. They have a small seating area where you can enjoy your scrumptious desserts on the spot but keep in mind they do fill up fast at certain times. This place is an once in a while guilty pleasure. I have their number programmed into my cell phone for when those urges surface.

Sweet Lady Jane