Yann Patisserie and Cafe

I've always been picky about sweets and snacks -- even as a tot you'd never find a Nutter Butter or a bag of Doritos (that smell!) in my paw -- but it was not until last year that I discovered, to my dismay, the unruly sway finding and consuming the best quality sweets held over me.

Thank goodness, then, for Yann Patisserie. If I ever find myself in dire need of some truly decadent and undeniably French staples (you know - Éclairs, Mille Feuilles, Piedmonts, Fraisiers...) I can always make my way to South 18th Street. Few places can match the sheer grandeur of Yann's pastry display case. The sight, the smell, the flavors! (Is anyone else overwhelmed?)

While at DiBruno satisfying my cheese yen, I felt pangs for something sweet and French. Sis and I stopped in Yann for a small snack. She opted for the "Best of Philly" Hot Chocolate, which I'd had before but felt was too syrupy and creamy (but still no where near as thick and creamy as the Ritz's Chocolate Somelier's version). With some added milk to counter the thick chocolate, she called the resulting liquid "immensely delicious."

I went for the Chai, whose lower-than-a-cappuccino price tag appealed to the miser in me. Well, it really sucked, almost tasting as if it was steamed with soy; sometimes spending the extra dollar goes a long way. For my snack I managed to turn away from the charms of the more decadent case (pictured), looking instead towards the laminated dough area: danish, croissant, pain au chocolat, and brioche. I went for the shimmering Raisin Roll.

It's outermost layer was a lightly browned sugar glaze that played well off the thin layers of butteriness inside. I was surprised by how delectable the simple roll was, due, in part, to the little raisins that added a welcome pop of sweet-tart taste to the dough. The roll was thin too, so it didn't feel like I'd eaten from one of the many supposedly French pastissiers that transmogrify tinnier Parisian treats to make them easier, bigger, and over-the-top rich (think cakey, quad-layer Napoleons and bread-like croissants). Yann would never stoop so low.

There is one treat at Yann whose size overshadows the rest of the glass-case dwellers: the classic chocolate eclair. Eating Yann's version was not much different, in feel, than having a hotdog. A very good chocolate one at that. The eclair had a thicker than I'm used to choux shell, with a nice browned color and slightly sweet flavor. The thick cream inside was abundant but pretty fluffy and very tasty. Unlike a hotdog, the pastry didn't cause any indigestion. In fact, it may just be the best one in Philly.

   

Note: Yann Patisserie has closed. Read more here.

Comments

[johanna]

drool! that looks utterly delectable... and chocolate eclairs are a personal favourite of mine, but so easily screwed up (for example by filling them with whipped cream insted of chcolate cream...yuk!)
i am nowhere near philadelphia, but i'd LOVE visiting Yann's. isn't it a shame that the internet doesn't handle tasts and smells all that well - yet?

[Sylvie]

I visit Philadelphia a couple of times a year to see my daughter(Penn student). I will for sure check out this bakery. Your presentation makes it appear irresistable.
Sylvie

[Estelle]

I am also a great fan of Yann's, I have tried quite a bit of their desserts and my favorite is definitely the chocolate pyramid. It is delicious and rich, I love it! I have never tried their eclair, though, but your post makes me look forward to my next stop at Yann's. If you have never been there yet, I would also recommend Miel Patisserie, just a little further thann Yann's. Their macaroons are really good. You can read my review here: http://tetellita.blogspot.com/2005/02/patisserie-miel.html (in French).