[Macarons in Antwerp?]

Hoping Del Rey is still making these as I'm headed to Antwerp next Friday.

[Zurich Chocolate and Pastry]

After spending nearly a week in the Wenger area, I will have half a day in Zurich in early June before returning to the US. I require chocolate and pastry. If you could list your top three chocolate or pastry stops within the old town/historic area, what would they be?

[Laduree at the Plaza]

Thank you everyone! La Maison was already on my visitation list. I will see if I can visit a couple of the others.

[Laduree at the Plaza]

Does anyone have news of Laduree New York? I checked Laduree's website and cannot locate any info. Headed to New York City in 2 weeks and would enjoy a macaron fix if one is to be had.

[Top Water Grill in San Leon]

As I understand it Topwater was gutted by water. Another report I've read says it was lifted off it's foundation and floated 10 blocks. The local shrimp and oyster industries are, to put it mildly, "in a world of hurt."

At least I got one last meal in at Topwater in May.

[Honoring the Life and Work of fifi (Linda LaRose)]

I'm very saddened to hear this news. I first met Linda at an HMNS lecture given by Stephen Coe. It was my first time meeting "live" eGulleters, and I was very nervous. Linda was the first person I introduced myself to. Her knowledge and contributions will be missed.

[[Houston] Laidback Manor - pre opening]

I have been away from eGullet too long! I look forward to your opening - just one convenient block from my husband's office.

[[Houston] Topwater Grill - San Leon]

Husband and I trekked down to Topwater on Sunday after a visit to Armand Bayou. Still as good as ever! Coconut Shrimp.....ummmmmm

[Houston Recs.]

Haven't been there yet, but there is also La Strada

Cafe Annie is a great choice, too. I've been to Americas once (New Year's Eve 2003) - awesome Tres Leches!!!!

[[Houston] Hugo's]

Hubby and I went to Hugo's on Sunday. I had a grouper dish baked in banana leaves and rubbed with chiles. It was served with a pyramid of black beans and rice. Hubby had the chicken enchiladas. Everything was top notch. In fact, I think we had the same waiter we had the first time we visited Hugo's 2+ years ago. For desert we had the churros. It came with their hot chocolate for dipping.

[Tell me where to go...]

Had some free time today after my morning meeting in Denton. First stop was Ravelin. I found it pretty easily. Functional unassuming building on North Locust in Denton. The counter person was helping another customer, so I perused the cases. I wanted one of everything! It all looked so good. This is the kind of bakery I wish I could find in Houston.

My turn with the counter person - I explained my tasting mission and that I would be making return trips in the near future. She made some helpful suggestions on popular items and also said when I come back to come earlier in the day (I got there around 11:30 am) as they had sold out of several items. For this trip, I settled on (1 of each):

-Dark Chocolate Caramel Truffle

-Chocolate Mousse Dome

-Eclair

-Palmier

-Chocolate Macarroon

-Chocolate dipped Meringue

-Almond cookie thingie (I don't recall the name)

Mind you, I hadn't had breakfast or lunch yet and my eyes were WAY bigger than my stomach. Alas, no camera with me on this trip either. Oh, and everything there was so reasonably priced. All my items came to a mere $12!

I thought I ought to stop for some "real food" before diving into the sweets, so I headed for Rudy's. On the way there, I spyed "Candy Haven," a local chocolate and candy shop. I bought a 1 lb. assortment (will take that to my mother when I head up to NE Ohio tomorrow AM). Then on to Rudy's.

There was a good lunch crowd (interesting mix of folks, too). I just loved the fact that this place is also a gas station! I ordered a brisket sandwich, some Rudy's beans and a soda. I'm generally not a huge bbq fan. The food was good though (and VERY filling).

After Rudy's, headed back to my hotel room where I've just finished devouring the Mousse Dome It's an item that should be refrigerated, so I had to eat it first. I am stuffed, but I can't wait to try the other items.

As I was driving around downtown Denton I made mental notes of where Joey's and some of the burger places are. I'm coming back here Sunday night and am staying through next Wed, so lots more opportunities to eat coming my way.

["Chocolate Desserts" by Pierre Herme (Part 1)]

So now that you've made all that you did, what is your take on all of it?

←

The Nutella Tart was my favorite - we ate that ourselves and didn't take it to our co-workers today! The caramels are quite tasty. I've never tried making caramels before, so it was very good experience. The Pave (I used 8" pans as it was all I had) is very light. I wish the ganache was more chocolately, but that may be related to the specific chocolate I used. I'd like to try it again with Pierre's specific chocolate recommendations.

P.S. - Thanks for lightening up my photo Josette!

["Chocolate Desserts" by Pierre Herme (Part 1)]

OK, I was actually at home this weekend, so I played "catch up" and made a few items. A word to future Nutella Tart makers - perfectionists should never skin their own hazelnuts!!

[Tell me where to go...]

Many thanks for all of the suggestions. I will be back in the area this Tuesday and will commence gastromic exploration.

Theobroma - haven't gotten to Ravelin yet, but I will do my best to get there this week. I'll let you know!

[Tell me where to go...]

I've been spending an increasing amount of time in Denton County for work. Other than bbq at Rudy's and sweets at Ravelin, where should one eat? I've heard tell of a UNT hang out called Tomato, but haven't hunted that down yet. Any other suggestions?

["Chocolate Desserts" by Pierre Herme (Part 1)]

The tarts look so fabulous! I'm getting terribly behind. I'll be in Denver this weekend wishing that I could try out the new tart pan I bought at Sur La Table last night.

[Help My Hands!]

Try lavender essential oil on the burns - neat, not diluted. I'll ditto the shea butter recommendation for the dry, cracked hands.

["Chocolate Desserts" by Pierre Herme (Part 1)]

My apricot and ginger chocolate loaf cake is in oven right now - I finally got to doing it! Yay!!! I've done the Suzy's Cake before, and it was enjoyed by all. The Nutella Tart sounds good, so I think that will be my next task.

Thanks a million for the lepecerie website!

["Chocolate Desserts" by Pierre Herme (Part 1)]

OK, I'm in too, but I can't start until next week. I have 7 of my husband's relatives in the house at present, and they have taken over everything, including my kitchen. There is Playdoh everwhere, and I don't think it would enhance the flavor of Herme's recipes.....

I do need to get back to my baking, though. I've been neglecting it too long.

[[Houston] El puebilito]

Here is a link to their website: http://www.elpueblitopatio.com/main.asp

The restaurant is very close to where I used to work, and I've been there for many a happy hour. Their fish dishes are indeed very good.

[World's best carrot-cake recipe]

I made the Frog Commissary cake yesterday (without the filling), and I have to give it a great big thumbs up! I did add some lemon to the frosting, though.

[World Pastry Forum classes recap]

What an amazing adventure! Thank you for letting us live vicariously through you.

[Lemon Bars -- best recipe]

The Ultimate Lemon Bar recipe in Rose Levy Beranbaum's Christmas cookie book is very good - shortbread crust with curd topping.

["Baking With Julia" by Julia Child (2004)]

If I ever have a free weekend again, I'll get back in the game. But for now, I will continue to live vicariously through the rest of you. Arbuclo, bravo on the pumpkin cranberry!

[Jelly Beans]

I really enjoy the fruit flavors and sours If you are in the Bay area and have not done the Jelly Belly factory tour yet, it's great fun. I've been twice!