Gjusta Lemon Cake: This slice of lemon cake from Gjusta in LA is thickly sliced and has a decently tart flavor. Texturally, though, it eats a bit dry. In the landscape of lemon desserts, this one falls somewhere in the middle - not bad, but not particularly notable. 3.0/5.0
losangeles pastry dessert gjusta lemon cake 3.0
Keki Bakery Ube cheesecake : I purchased this "bouncy" ube Japanese cheesecake from Keki bakery in K-town after having tried their classic cheesecake at their Chinatown shop. Stated to serve 3-4, it easily could serve 5-6 if you're mainly in for a small taste. At $15, it's a great deal for the quality; combining the best of a rich cheesecake with a light and airy texture that I'd describe as more fluffy than bouncy (though we ate it the day after it was purchased, so the texture might have changed a bit). Its intense pu... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended cake dessert nyc japanese pastry kekibakery ube cheesecake 4.0
Ken's Artisan Bakery's cannelle: Crusty, caramelized exterior with soft, custard interior. Perfect level of sweetness, good vanilla flavor (with a hint of lemon?). Seems small but is actually very filling. 4.0/5.0
recommended pastry cannelle bakery portland kensartisanbakerys 4.0
La Farine frangipane: Excellent pastry. Flaky crust topped with almonds. Inside is fluffy and light. Center has lightly sweetened almond paste. Some parts of the exterior are dark, but they're caramelized rather than burnt. Very sizable and filling for the price ($2.95). 4.5/5.0
lafarine bakery pastry almond frangipane croissant oakland exceptional 4.5
Las Delicias Patisserie Chocolate Rugelach: Very tasty mini baked treats: pastry folded with layers of chocolate (spread but also in small chunks), all topped with sugar crystals. A bit sweet but good in small quantities. Made at NYC-based bakery Las Delicias and purchased at the Park Slope Food Coop. 3.5/5.0
recommended pastry sweets parkslopefoodcoop dessert lasdeliciaspatisserie chocolate rugelach 3.5
Leonelli Focacceria E Pasticceria Pumpkin ricotta cheesecake: An accomplished dessert sandwich with a crispy base, smooth and creamy ricotta and pumpkin cheesecake, and toasted marshmallow (my favorite part). Memorable seasonal dessert from Flatiron-based pastry shop. 4.0/5.0
recommended dessert nyc pastry marshmallow leonellifocacceriaepasticceria pumpkin ricotta cheesecake 4.0