Tot-Thali Delicious: The Dessert Thali at Poppy, Capitol Hill

(Note: This post also appears on CakeSpy.com)

The informal definition of "crush" is "one who is the object of an infatuation." But it's so much more than that--it's that feeling you get in the presence of your crush. It consumes you. It gives you an impulse to ride your bike by their house...just in case they happen to be around.

And I'm crushing really hard on the Dessert Thali at Seattle restaurant Poppy; it's the creation of Dana Cree, whom I suspect is some sort of pastry and confectionery genius.

What is a Dessert Thali, you may be wondering? Well, in case you missed its recent shout-out as the Best Dessert Date in Seattle, here's the article's well-put overview:

A large tray arrives at your table loaded up with one of Cree's main desserts (say, her warm orange-rhubarb shortcake or the, haha, hot date cake), plus a scoop of ice cream (mango lassi, sassafras, neapolitan) and a host of bite-sized things, including candied nuts, fruit gelées, chocolate truffles, and an exquisite nutter-butter square with a crackly caramel topping.

Oh, it's a sexy dessert tray all right.

On the day we went, we personalized ours with the following:

First, the "Rocky Rose" ice cream, which was kind of a fancy take on Rocky Road, with a thick fudge topping and homemade marshmallows;


Then, a crumble consisting of roasted cherries topped with almond streusel and honey-lavender ice cream. This was an absolute standout: assembling it just moments before being served, apparently, is one of the secrets--each ingredient maintains its own flavor and texture "identity"--coming together beautifully without becoming soupy.



Various other little bites were served alongside the main attractions: little lemon cream puffs; cumin cashews; apricot pâtes de fruits (translation: fancy fruit jellies); and some absolutely tantalizing Nutter butter squares, which were crispy and sweet and salty all at once, andwith a crowning glory of thick caramel, completely addictive.

..and, we were treated to a sneak preview of something Dana is working on for an upcoming event. Not going to give away too much, but it was good.

Honestly, I couldn't imagine a more delightful way to serve dessert. With a sampler like this, you still have some choice in the matter--but it also gives you an opportunity to try some tiny bites of unexpected desserts; there's also a certain drama that comes with having this platter full of sweets glistening like little jewels being delivered to your table. It's one of those dishes that all the other diners tend to turn to see as it goes by.

Want a piece of this sweet action? Poppy is located at 622 Broadway East, Seattle (206) 324-1108; you can check them out online at poppyseattle.com. For more on the lovely and amazing Dana Cree, check out this article and stay tuned for other new developments!

Totally Delicious: Red Velvet Cake at The Kingfish Cafe

Recently I got to try the legendary Red Velvet cake from The Kingfish Cafe, and I have to say it more than lived up to my standards. Really, I think the photo speaks for itself, but if you're so inclined, read my more detailed review here!

The Kingfish Cafe, 602 19th Ave. East, Seattle, (206)320-8757; online at thekingfishcafe.com.

Baguette Box

Bluebottle is really close to the Baguette Box so I have ordered from them LOTS but I still love their Crispy Tofu Baguette. First the tofu is organic which is always good, not a deal breaker for me just kind of icing on the cake. The tofu is baised in coconut juice and comes topped with Aiolo, pickled daikon carrots, red onions and I always go for the opitional avocado. Probably the best part is the baguette itself. You can have all the best ingredident inside but if the bread is stale it is a no go! They keep it simple in decor and have about 7 baguette options, plus a few sides and wine. An easy stop in place or they do to go and delivery as well!

1203 Pine Street,Seattle, WA, 98101
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Oddfellows

The first time I stepped into Oddfellows Cafe it was one of those snow days when I decided opening Schmancy wasn't worth it. There were ski's propped up against the door and I was the happiest clam in Seattle. On that day, I decided Oddfellows was my new favorite spot in Seattle. Unfortunately since that magic making day, my experiences have made me not such a huge fan. The decor is beautiful and the attention to detail is what gets you "at hello". Once you settle in, the problems start to show their face and here are a few.

After my drinking excursion last weekend, I realized that place is WAY too loud. I had already decided that you can only go there with one or two other people. Once you hit four, expect to only have a conversation with the person directly in front of you or next to you. Well last weekend there was 3 and I had a hard time having a naturally flowing conversation as there was always one of us feeling left out. Having to always say "what" or "I can't hear you" got annoying way too fast and made for a lot of awkward silences. So now I have decided it's basically only good for two people max.

Then there is the food. I haven't had everything on the menu and was really happy to see that the fries changed from $6 to $4. When I was in my excited-about-Oddfellows stage, I took a few friends there while they were visiting from NYC. We ordered the fries and "special (disappointing) sauce". I dipped my fry and immediately a taste so distinct came to mind not good for "table talk". So I just explained that the sauce reminded me of something that I wouldn't share while we were eating. A few seconds later my friend says, "this stuff tastes like throw up". That summed it all. So at $6 or $4, that sauce needs to be changed or just give us ketchup. I mean, they are only fries after all.

Then there was my BLT experience. I still consider myself a meat dabbler so I didn't know if leaving bacon super fatty was the fancy way but, either way, I wasn't into it and found myself peeling it all off leaving very little B left to enjoy. A few of my friends have gotten some of the salads which they enjoy but I have heard, on several occasions, that they couldn't really believe they were paying x for the size. The breakfast's I had in the past were the least disappointing thing on the menu. I am not sure why they can't cook the same things offered in the day at night. Anyone?

Sadly I have also had one too many moments in there where they seem to be having problems. From the fryer to no prep, it's always something.

I am sure the food and prices can improve but I am not sure what they can do with the acoustics. I still want to root for this place because I simply enjoy looking around. BUT I have learned my lesson and will only be going if I am either with one other person for drinks only OR just there for breakfast. Unless some more magic can happen I have bowed down to these facts and will learn to live with them.