Sunday, January 22, 2012

Bakery Month #4: Dolce Patisserie


Dolce Patisserie
The Shoppes at Hellertown
23 Main Street
Hellertown, PA 
484-851-3652

Hours: Mon-Wed 9a-6p; Thur-Fri 9a-7p; Sat 9a-12p Closed Sun-Mon


This Christmas season was memorable as we had the privilege of visiting family in France.  We were spoiled and inspired by the daily walks to the local patisserie to purchase tantalizing baguettes, croissants, and pastry treats...a cultural aspect that I could easily adopt.
There were also the special desserts:  a chocolate tart, creme brulee and the traditional holiday desserts such as la buche de Noel that will be extraordinary features of our experience.    

It's hard to top this European experience in the Lehigh Valley.  For example, we had the discussion, where can you find a croissant of this quality?  Then I was reminded of Dolce Patisserie.  Excuse this late addition of "Bakery Month."  I forgot my initial plan to review this Hellertown treasure introduced to us by our now-Parisian family members, former residents of Hellertown.  What ideal timing as my husband and I enjoyed a nostalgic date the other morning with a cup of robust coffee, some chocolate croissants or "pain au chocolate", combined with a pleasant conversation with store owner and artisan, Alan Pitotti.


Alan is a true artist.  Each dessert, tart, and chocolate is uniquely and personally designed and crafted.  His creations are truly for a certain clientele--one who enjoys a product of quality ingredients and does not mind paying a price that represents his work. Alan also creates custom order wedding cakes--ideal for the "foodies" who want a rich, flavorful and  memorable dessert. 


Being there reminded us that Valentine's Day is coming...consider an assortment of his chocolates ($1.65 each), each one a true art-form. We enjoyed the purely decadent dark chocolate orange and coffee dulce de leche. He makes many of his flavors in heart-shape for the lovers' holiday.  Personally, I recommend of this picturesque tarts or his signature cake: chocolate cake with a vanilla creme brulee layer, fresh raspberries and chocolate mousse.

We were thrilled to hear they offer their own "Bouche de Noel",  as we anticipate next Christmas and a way to re-experience what we enjoyed in France.  We're

Dolce Patisserie adds class to the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Evans Eats Lehigh Valley & Beyond: Best of 2011

A Year In Review:

We've reflected on our blogposts so far. I've never liked the decisive mandate of choosing a "best of" or "favorite".  However, I'll take a risk to provide a brief summary of this year's monthly categories for our readers.  If you have your own vote, we'd love to receive your comments. 

Best Mediterranean:   Soumaya & Sons
Best Gyro:  Theo's Gyros
Best Cheese Steak:  Steak & Hoagie Factory
Best Breakfast:  Blue Sky Cafe'
Best Ice Cream:  The Inside Scoop
Best Summer Stop:  Limeport Inn
Best Burger:  Goody'z
Best Coffee:  Brig O' Doon Coffee House
Best Burrito:  Cali Burrito 
Best Bakery:  Vegan Treats
Best Bagel:   Three Men & a Bagel

  Happy New Year--we look forward to more creative eating in 2012!