“There are few things in life more satisfying than walking into a well-stocked bakery.”
By Pastry Chef Valerie Gordon
I am forever in awe of a great sweet shop, whether it is filled with bulk Swedish candies or rustic organic pastries, the sense of wonder and joy that a sweet shop evokes is uniquely satisfying. I think what I most enjoy, professionally, is seeing candies and desserts well executed. I admire the dedication and professionalism that people express in the "sweets" world.
Blum's Coffee Crunch Cake
Durango Cookies
Petits Fours
About Valerie
Valerie Gordon is the owner, pastry chef, and chocolatier for Valerie Confections in Los Angeles. She has two cafes, one at Echo Park and the other at the Grand Central Market. This past week, she opened her weekly stand at Sunday Hollywood Farmers Market, where she will be selling preserves and a rotating selection of pastries.
MY PHILOSOPHY: It’s about creating memorable moments through delicious, handmade food.
DON'T MISS: The Blum’s Coffee Crunch cake. It is my version of the one originally served at Blum's bakery. With layers of soft chiffon cake, coffee whipped cream and covered in coffee flavored honeycomb, this dessert is extremely unique and a combination you will never forget.
TAKE HOME: A 12-piece box of petits fours. You can choose an assortment of the tiny cakes and enjoy one each day until they are finished. Or a dozen freshly-baked Durango Cookies.
MORNING | Breakfast Sweets
Photograph courtesy of Republique
Republique
The selection of pastries at Republique is astounding and their pastry case is a roving landscape of deliciousness.
624 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
T: 310.362.6115 | republiquela.com
Jon & Vinny’s
They are better known for their meatballs and pizza, but I adore their coffee and Nutella-filled donuts and scones with salty whipped butter.
412 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
T: 323.334.3369 | www.jonandvinnys.com
Photograph courtesy of Good Girl Dinette
Good Girl Dinette
They serve exceptional pies and Vietnamese style coffee on the weekend. Their pies are beautiful and are packed with locally grown fruit.
110 North Avenue 56, Highland Park, CA 90042
T: 323.257.8980 | www.goodgirldinette.com
AFTERNOON | Snacks & Sweets
Photograph courtesy of Ara's Pastry
Ara’s Pastry
Located in Hollywood, they have a gorgeous number of baklavas and Middle Eastern style cookies.
4945 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027
T: 323.661.1116 | www.araspastry.com
Photograph courtesy of McConnells
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
They are in the Grand Central Market and have my favorite flavor of ice cream in the city. Their cream flavor is uninterrupted perfection.
Grand Central Market
317 South Broadway Los Angeles, California 90013
T: 213.346.9722 | www.mcconnells.com
Photograph courtesy of Lady M
Lady M
The Mille Crepes at Lady M has layers of delicate crepes and the loveliest pastry cream. I was thrilled when they finally opened a Los Angeles location.
8718 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
T: 424.279.9495 | www.ladym.com
BONUS ROUND | Savory
Photograph courtesy of Everson Royce Bar
Everson Royce Bar
The burger at Everson Royce Bar in Downtown LA's Arts District is perfection. It is boldly edited and insanely delicious.
1936 East 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021
T: 213.335.6166 | www.erbla.com
Pine & Crane
They serve wonderfully fresh Chinese fare at their Silverlake location. My favorite dishes are the Beef Roll and the Spicy Shrimp Dumplings.
1521 Griffith Park Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
T: 323.668.1128 | www.pineandcrane.com
Valerie Gordon at the Hollywood Farmers Market
Visit Valerie Confections
SOUTH SILVERLAKE
3360 W First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90004
T: 213.739.8149
AT GRAND CENTRAL MARKET
317 S Broadway Street, #E3-4
Los Angeles, CA 90013
T: 213.621.2781
ECHO PARK
1665 Echo Park Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
T: 213.250.9365
HOLLYWOOD FARMERS MARKET
Ivar Avenue & Selma Avenue
Hollywood, CA
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