Yesterday was officially the bluest day of the year, so we're going sweet treat and carb heavy in the capital this week to help get us through what feels like the month that will never end. Picturesque pastries, the prettiest tarts, and a crab sandwich destined to make you forget it's still very much winter out there....
1) The specials, Blossom Artisan Bakery
Ballymun bakery bastions Blossom have finally returned after what felt like the longest three and a half weeks ever, meaning that we're more jazzed than normal for their new specials. Can we have a moment of silence for how beautiful the blueberry matcha pain Suisse looks on the bottom right? See also the affogato Kouign Amann (top left), apple puff (top right) and macadamia nut and orange Danish (bottom left).
2) Black forest mikado, The Bakery by The Cupcake Bloke
The Cupcake Bloke's Graham Herterich has reinvented a childhood classic with the Mikado part of their retro biscuit range, and the latest flavour is Black Forest (screams). A chocolate shortbread is topped with vanilla marshmallow, dark chocolate and cherry, all topped with chocolate vermicelli sprinkles. Find it at The Bakery by the Cupcake Bloke in Rialto.
3) Rhubarb and pistachio tart, Sorn
Although it might not quite be quite rhubarb season, that doesn't stop us fully swooning over Sorn’s latest Tart. The sweet pastry base is filled with a pistachio and rhubarb compote frangipane and topped with chamomile yogurt and rhubarb that's been poached in a hibiscus and spice blend. Bring on the pink!
4) Campfire cocoa indulgence, Amy Austin
Yes it's another sweet treat, and you've clocked it, the second mention of marshmallow on this list, but it's dark and dull out there, we need it. Amy Austin's latest scroll stopper is made with a chocolate ganache, crème Diplomat (a lighter version of pastry cream), and marshmallow fluff. Could there be a more perfect dessert for a cold, blustery evening in the city.
5) Crab sandwich, Bar Pez
Bar Pez’s crab sandwich is the little slice of sunshine we all need to break up the January blues - enough so to break our sugar-filled run this week. Hand picked crab bound with an apple and celeriac remoulade is served on a hyper local Fumbally sourdough, bringing a bright, zesty hit of summer to even the dreariest January day. Pair it with a glass of Jura Chardonnay, and for a moment, you might just teleport straight to Spring.
