Kat's 9 Lives

Ah how I miss Parisian gourmet food. There are many secrets hidden away at Lafayette Gourmet. It is not just another place to shop for clothing, cosmetics, and more. In fact, many people might have just walked by without realizing that they have a huge department just dedicated to food!
One of Ms. Lin and my favorite places for macarons is Sadaharu Aoki. It's the perfect blend of of refined Japanese flavors mixed into a Parisian delicacy. I know there are so many wonderful places to get macarons when you are in Paris but this place just holds a special place in my heart. It was the first time that I encountered so many wondrous flavors.
Four years ago when I came to Paris for the first time, I was still embracing the joys of gastronomy. Many things were changing for me and the world I once knew was blown away with the marvels of a new world. I am sure that every time I go to Paris, I will be making a special trip to Sadaharu Aoki to satisfy the craving within. How can I not return to a magical place that carries Yuzu and Black Sesame? They even have Wasabi, Ume, Jasmine, Genmacha, and more!
Each bite is a burst of flavor. There's many levels of flavor and texture. The outer layer is crisp yet delicate. Whilst the inside is moist and has just the right chewiness. Every piece is carefully crafted to perfection. They also have a wide variety of pastries and chocolates that they offer. There is always a new surprise to pick up along with the delicious macarons.Sadaharu Aoki has now spread to Taiwan and opened their first store. Hopefully they will make their way to America sometime soon! =)
Sadaharu Aoki Paris Patisserie
Lafayette Gourmet
40 Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris

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

After a gathering we all wanted to grab some dessert in Garden Grove and RM suggested that we head on over to Boulangerie Pierre & Patisserie for some French Pastries. The best part was hearing him pronounce the name. We all agreed and drove on over to hang out and chill with everyone. This is located in one of the many strip malls near by. Parking was a little hectic but I found a spot easily. The decor was actually better than expected. It's clean with a few tables set up for people to eat and dine in.
I really liked the pastry tree that reminded me a mountain of profiteroles. Maybe I was expecting too much because they had a nice selection of pastries and they did look pretty. Sadly, that it was all a deception. Never judge a book by its cover and the same rule applies to food! I thought the staff was a bit rude. The stupid Asian girl ran into me trying to help the customers. Mind you there were not that many people and most of it was people that I am hanging out with. There is no excuse in ramming me and not apologizing. Horrible staff and horrible food!
At first I was so excited to see they had a Croque Monsieur for $3. I have only had bad ones and I have been looking for a place that can do it right. This place is the last thing from being good. The Croque Monsieur here was just your ordinary Crappy Bread with Cheap Ham, Crappy Sauce, and Cheap Cheese on top that is lightly grilled. Ummm I can make a better version at home myself! This was just plain and cheap.
We ordered a Café Éclair because it looked tasty... but... that was not true again! The éclair itself was decent but nothing special. It was just bland. PK ordered the Egg Custard pastry and that was an utter failure. The texture was rubbery and tasteless. We were all commenting on how bad this place was while we were eating there. I seriously question RM's taste or choices. Considering the group of people we were with, he should have chose a grand place.
They sell Madeleines here at 2 for $1 or 5 for $2. Before we ordered I ran off to the bathroom and left my wallet with Ms. Lin. We discussed that it would be wise to not order too much since we don't know how good this place is. Yet, when I came back she bought 5 for $2! It's her fault that money was wasted on this place! Ms. Lin thought the Madeleines were decent but I found them to be dry and tasteless. Both PK and I did not enjoy it. I don't think Ms. Lin even ate another piece since we had tons left over, so I am going to assume it obviously wasn't that good or desirable.
All in all.. NO! This place is bad and the service isn't that good. I have no idea why we even came here or why it was even suggested. There are so many better places in GG that could have been chosen.

Boulangerie Pierre & Patisserie

Since I haven't posted my recent trip to Boule in LA, I have re-discovered my love for salted caramel! Even as we speak, I still have some left over from my recent return to Boule sitting on the night stand waiting for me to devour them. O=) While we were standing in line for Hog Island Oyster Co. I ran off to look around in the Ferry Building because my back was in pain and standing hurt too much. So why not take the chance to move around and find something that might ease my pain... yummy food! lol I came across Miette Patisserie and the shop looked pretty cute so I had to go in to check it out. There really wasn't much variety or individually packed items to pick up and go. The pastries and cakes in the case did not look that appealing. There was a line so I didn't think it was worth waiting for. I saw that their macarons were stacked in a jar above the case. First off... they should not be so carelessly displayed because if they crack then they are worthless. I ran back and forth to the line to ask Ms. Lin if she wanted anything. She warned me that the macarons weren't that great so I opted to forgo them.
What caught my eye was the caramels. There were 3 different flavors. They were Chocolate Sea Salted Caramel, Bergamot Caramel, and Sea Salted Caramel. I thought the chocolate was quite flavorful and barely tasted the salt. The salted caramels here were not bad but I think I like the ones at Boule a lot more. The texture here is chewier and not as many salt crystals. It's a smoother blend and taste on the palette. I did not like the bergamot. It's suppose to be a hint of Earl Grey Tea and some citrus twist. Definitely not for me. They were all 50 cents a piece, which is not too bad. Next time I am there, I just might pick up a few pieces to pass the time. ^_^

So this is from Ms. Lin's last visit when we were in LA. We decided to try out Boule in LA/Beverly Hills. Since Ms. BumbleBee and HoneyBee highly recommended this place, how could we not go? We had a long packed day of food, which I will get to eventually! ^_- I lived in LA for almost 5 years and I never really saw this place. When I saw the address I had a gut feeling that it must be located near Trashy Lingerie. I must say the "location" is very questionable. Whenever I drove down La Cienega and passed this area I always try to avert my eyes because it's kind of dingy... and scandalous... How interesting to find a high-end bakery/patisserie and soon Sprinkles next door. Hmmmmmm lol
This is definitely not a sit down place to enjoy the desserts. There wasn't anyone there when we went and we found parking easily. At first I was a little agitated because it was nothing like I imagined and the prices were a bit high. Since it came so highly recommended I had to give it a shot. I think luckily I write reviews later on because I will end up writing nicer reviews. So Ms. Lin and I hovered over the Macaroon area debating on what to try. They didn't have a LOT of the flavors, which kind of upset me! All the ones that I wanted to try and was unique were not in stock! BOO! They only had the regular boring ones. Below is the Lavender and Raspberry. The macaroons texture were pretty nice and had a good taste. I thought the lavender one was decorated beautifully and was flavorful. Ms. Lin insisted on getting raspberry against my wishes. Now that I was editing the photos I noticed that it was cracked! If we did it then I can't say anything but if it came that way... perish the thought that they sell imperfect macaroons! lol The raspberry macaroon has gold dust on top. I thought the texture was good, but I was just okay on the flavor since I don't like raspberry.
Below are the Meyer Lemon Macaroon, Passion Fruit White Chocolate, and Coffee Macaroon. Both macaroons were only so-so in flavor but I do like the texture and taste. Ms. Lin thinks that it is one of the best or better ones in the U.S. I guess I agree too because I liked the shells. Although I told her that Bouchon in LV was not bad. **don't worry I will post that up too!** The chocolates were expensive, but I guess normal for high-end, for what you get. There wasn't anything that special to the flavor and chocolate combo. I'd rather go to Chuao for their Parchita.
We wanted to try some of their pastries so we picked up a Fleur de Sel Eclair. I loved how it was decorated. The iridescent molded chocolate just attracted my eyes. I thought the flavor was good, very sweet. The texture was slightly crisp and moist inside. It wasn't bad, but pretty small for the price.
All in all it's a nice modern place. I thought the macaroons were good but we didn't get to try any flavors that would win me over, hopefully they will have some of the ones I want Thurs or Fri! We picked up a few more items but I can't seem to find the photos. I will be sure to photograph the Fleur de Sel Caramels that they sell. At first I was skeptical because they were quite pricey, but they did look good. We only bought a few and I was tempted to turn around to buy more but the price stopped me. Now that I will be up in LA again I think I will pick up a box of 20! Screw the price! Yum yum in my tummy! ^_^ They were a little bit too salty but I like the balance of salty and sweet. It really brings out the flavor and essence of the sweet flavor. When we went I told Ms. Lin that we HAD to have some of their ice cream, but she convinced me not to. Everyone says I should try it still. I blame her! Of course this week we will be eating salted caramel and some ice cream from here! ^_- I am putting my foot down! lol

Boule