Adore Dessert Café

My friend Yvonne delivered the good news. Patrick is back. He had a small bakery on Catalina Ave. in Redondo Beach for years and he eventually closed and went back to Paris. His pastries were always good, especially his eclairs and quiches. 

Yvonne invited me for breakfast yesterday to reintroduce me to Patrick. The new place is nicely decorated and was happy to see tables and chairs that one could dine leisurely. I had their Almond Chocolate Croissant which didn't look like any I've had. This did not have the perfect shape but instead, dough oozing off the side and a bit burnt on the edges. I actually picked the "well done" one. Yvonne ordered a Chocolate Croissant. We both had a cappuccino. I absolutely loved my almond croissant. It had custard and chocolate inside and slivers of thinly sliced almonds. It sounds like this would be sicky sweet but it was not at all. It had just the right amount of sweetness. Yvonne enjoyed her chocolate croissant as well.

Before we left I had to get a variety of Eclairs and a few others. I've had them before but it's been a long time so my taste buds needed to be reminded of its goodness. I got a coffee, chocolate and raspberry eclairs. They were all fantastique! The Canelé was mouth-watering; which was crispy outside and really chewy inside, and yes, baked with rum. The Chouquettes (sugar puffs) were airy and light with a tiny bit of sweetness and crispiness outside. 

Patrick and Kaity came to our table and of course I had to take a picture of this sweet couple!

As we were leaving, we noticed 2 of their quiches just came out of the oven. I have had their Salmon and Mushroom Quiche a long time ago and I do remember that it was outstanding!

Adore Dessert Café is located at 901 N. Catalina Ave. #100 in Redondo Beach, California.

Telefèric Barcelona

This Spanish restaurant has only been open for a month. Ramon, Gary, and I had our Easter lunch there yesterday. The original restaurant opened in Barcelona in 1992. The three of us were so excited, mainly since we all had studied the menu beforehand. 

We all agreed to start with a Sangria. They have several kinds, but our server recommended the Telefèric Sangria, a mix of red wine, gin, brandy, fruit salad, cinnamon, and mint. We all loved the drink, and I don't think I would experiment on anything differently next time since this was perfect.

We were unanimous in ordering a Paella Negra with squid ink, gulf Shrimp, scallops, octopus, and clams. We had to place the order before our appetizers since it takes about 25-35 minutes to cook.

While we waited for the main event, we ordered 4 appetizers. The first one was Ham Croquetas. These croquettes had Iberico ham and were served with pepper sauce and aioli. They were crispy outside, and the inside just melted in your mouth. Delicious.

The second appetizer was the Crispy Artichoke Hearts with light pistachio foam and red curry. We all loved it, and the pistachio sauce was so delectable.

The Pulpo Telefèric came next; octopus served with truffle oil and a pimentón potato purée. The octopus was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was exquisite. The last appetizer was Gambas al Ajillo. Gulf Shrimp sautéed with lemon zest and crispy garlic. Wow! That was delicious with its "suck-worthy" shrimp head.

The timing was just right. As we were finishing the Gambas, the plate of our Paella Negra arrived at our table. I wanted to clap! It looked sooo good, and it did not disappoint. It was an "OMG" moment. After that first bite, we all thought....how can everything be so delicious? 

Stephen, our server, was very attentive, and he kept coming back to check on us. It was an excellent time to be there since they were relatively quiet for lunch. 

It was time to decide what dessert to order. We all love Spanish Churros; however, Gary and I do not like Nutella. Stephen informed us that he could serve it without the Nutella, which was fine, but they didn't have the thick hot chocolate they usually serve with churros in Spain. (Churros con chocolate) So we opted for the Torrija, a French toast, Catalan cream, and pistachio foam with vanilla ice cream. This was the only disappointment. The French toast had no flavor. Gary and Ramon had that dessert in Sebastian, Spain, and it had caramelized sauce and had a lasting impression on them as it was perfect. 

I wish they would open a Telefèric Barcelona in Palos Verdes or the Torrance area. They are located at 11930 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood. This used to be the Italian restaurant Vincenti.