Flourless Orange, Almond and Ginger Cake

I'm loving many things about the Portland, Oregon area. Many things! 

One of my favorite new eateries here is the St. Honoré Bakery and Cafe. It's a casual little place with fresh soups, killer vol au vonts, savory caprese sandwiches. And hecka amazing flourless orange and almond cakes! It's one of those places where the food is just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Time for another run!!!

The Yearly Pilgrimage — Tartine

Ooh baby. I've said it before, but if you are ever in San Francisco, might I suggest a visit to heaven on earth, AKA, Tartine Bakery? I really think it's one of the high points for a foodie spending time in SF.

If you go, know that there will be a line out the door. And know making it through that line will be well worth the wait. From the croque monsieur, to the bread pudding, to the meringues, to the ever-so-delicate lemon tart, it is seriously all good.

And consider yourself lucky if you can catch a glimpse into the kitchen. The hero chefs are all players in a controlled symphony of baking, frosting and dolloping. Enjoy the show!

Portrait of a Morning Bun

There are gargantuan numbers of folks doing food photography these days. Now that I am actually lucky enough to have a chance to turn my focus back to photography, I'm faced with a dilemma. How do I differentiate my work from the rest of the pack? It's a really good question.

Maybe I'll start with this... I'm thinking of doing a series of food "portraits" after the Old Masters. Perhaps another trip to Amsterdam is in order. I get so inspired by the light there. And the art. And the pancakes.

Petite Fruit Galettes

I LOVE discovering new cafes and restaurants that really get pastry right. Found these petite fruit galettes over at the Mayfield Bakery in Palo Alto, CA. The pastry itself was flaky as all get out and the fruit was fresh and local, but the glaze was what really did it for me. The glaze was honey-based, rather than the (kind of gross) gelatin-based glaze that is so often used for pastries. A little sticky, but really mighty good. http://www.mayfieldbakery.com/

Fruity Obsession

This morning I made my yearly pilgrimage to Tartine Bakery in San Francisco. This tradition just started last year, but I seriously cannot go there more than once a year. If I did, I swear I would chuck my day job out the window, pick up the nearest cook's apron and start baking like there's no tomorrow. Yes, it is that good. Pinky swear.

Lemon Tart 2- Tartine

Lemon Tart 2- Tartine
Originally uploaded by pixelish
Amazingly delicate and perfectly flavored lemon meringue tart. From the legendary Tartine Bakery in San Francisco.

I pretty much need to go back there soon. Real soon : )

Cranberry Bread Pudding - Tartine

Cranberry Bread Pudding - Tartine
Originally uploaded by pixelish
Utterly delicious bread pudding with cranberries from Tartine Bakery, San Francisco. http://www.tartinebakery.com/

Birthday Cake

Birthday Cake
Originally uploaded by pixelish
Decided to approach this cake from a very low angle. And wanted super selective focus just on that chocolate frosting swirl and the edge of the cake. Quite happy with this unusual look.

Oh, and the cake? Delish!

Scones and Jam

So, I was in the middle of photographing another item when I had to run an errand. Out of a corner of my eye, I noticed these cranberry scones in a bakery window. They were just calling out to be photographed! And so I did : )

A spoonful of cherry jam makes the perfect accent for the scones. Pulls the colors all together.