My Current "Favorite" Dessert.

Since I'm a dessert person, I am fond of a variety of desserts; cookies, cake, cupcakes, macarons, ice cream, gelato, cobblers... you get the picture.  That being said, it's difficult to have a "favorite" one.  Hence, I have current favorites.  Everyone wins.

Recently, I've become captivated by one.

 

Fruit tarts.  They are just divine.  I mean, what's not to love about the crisp buttery, flaky crust, creamy vanilla bean topping, and a kaleidoscope of exquisitely arranged fresh fruit?

So where do I quell my cravings?

"La Farine" on Solano Ave, near Albany and Berkeley.  It is a patisserie that specializes in French desserts.  There are other locations, but this is the closest one to me.  I have to thank my coworker, Amy Miyagi, for introducing me to the tarts as our "snack" for our road trip to SC earlier this year.  I devoured my blueberry/blackberry/strawberry one 5 minutes into the ride, and couldn't quite get my mind off it since.  I had to visit.

Opportunity presented itself on Monday 3/7 as I was on the way back from picking up my mom from the airport.  Since I was on the other side of the bridge, I decided to make my mark on the legendary patisserie on Solano Ave.

But before we delve into that, let me tangent on what we ate for lunch.

We stopped at a nearby dim sum spot, "King Tsin" on Solano Ave.  It had fresh, delicious dim sum, but we were not too thrilled by the long wait.   Here are some quick pics for all you dim-sum lovers. (Top to bottom: pork and shrimp shumai, mushroom dumpling, and shrimp dumpling)

Had to get that out of my system.

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Upon entering La Farine, I  gradually soaked in the bright, homey, French ambiance.   Freshly-baked baguettes, friendly staff, and a myriad of delectable tarts were irresistibly smiling at me.

 

There were also samples of different types of bread in baskets that I generously helped myself to.  I ended up buying a rustic baguette, hazelnut tart, raspberry-walnut scone, 2 chocolate macarons, and of course, 2 fruit tarts (strawberry/mango and blackberry/blueberry).   I believe my bill was close to $20.  Not bad for a grocery shopaholic.

 I was mostly excited about the fruit tarts and they did not cease to amaze me.  I was in fruit tart bliss for a good 10 minutes as I savored each bite.

You know it's the real deal when you remember everything about the first bite of whatever you're eating and can't wait to relive it again. 

I wonder what my next "favorite" dessert will be.