Chocolate and a Croissant

I love chocolate. I love croissants. I love chocolate croissants.

I visited a new place in my neighborhood for the croissant. It’s super-new, having just opened in the last month or so. It’s a French place called Cremeux that sells French pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and Belgian chocolate. I ran in to get something to go, and the almond croissant called to me.

The pastry was not flaky; it was pretty thick. Does that make it more or less French? I don’t know. The almond paste was not too sweet, which I appreciated. It was quite lovely, and I will return to try everything else the shop sells! There are not many independent cafés in my area, so it’s refreshing to have an additional option for coffee and a snack.

The place at which I picked up some chocolate has been in my neighborhood for 30+ years, yet I’ve never ventured in. And I said that I love chocolate! But I’m more of a chocolate cake and cookie and brownie gal vs. a fancy chocolate candy gal. But Serenade Chocolatier might just sway me…when I visited the other day, the selection was not huge. I overheard a staff member tell another customer that they were wiped out because of the holidays. These are handmade artisan chocolates, folks. I was delighted to see a few staff members making chocolates in a large work area behind the counter. I bought about 8 for Allen and I to try…dark peanut butter cups, dark cashew clusters, dark coffee cream, and a mint cream for myself. I’ve tried the mint cream so far, and it was so. good. Leaves York peppermint patties in the dust, and I love those. I can’t wait to try the others.

It’s December 29, which means I’m wrapping up my birthday list. I have three days to come up with two more items. Down to the wire is how I roll. This whole year went by in a blink; do you agree? Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2023 full of new experiences.