Praliné — Restaurant in Belmont

Warm welcome and service. Beautifully packaged. But the inside of the package is even better. The macarons, especially the pistachios are to die for. I tried financiers and madeleines, both very good, although the financiers could have been baked a little longer. I ordered two pies for Orthodox Easter, one strawberry/passion and one lemon meringue. Both excellent and the hosts were very pleased. They were practically gone by the time we left our lunch date at their house. Then it was my husband's birthday and I ordered a cake. She suggested a number of choices but not liking chantilly at all, I settled on the Opera. It is a dark chocolate covered cake layered with milk chocolate mousse, vanilla mousse, and biscuit. I ordered for 6. The cake was square and had lovely chocolate and amandine decorations. The Joyeux Anniversaire was written in chocolate on the amandines. It was not only pretty but delicious. I highly recommend Praline for any occasion or just to treat yourself. They also make chocolate. They sell imported French confections such as caramel...

Each visit has made me truly fall in love with this tiny little spot that ports you back to the side streets of France. I don’t find it pretentious; rather, I find it humble and unique in the way it serves up phenomenal pastries that tickle every single corner of your palate. From the croissants, the turnovers, to the delectable desserts or macarons, not one detail is spared in the intricate process of making each item stand out. They sure make the French proud (as some of the patrons openly brag about this being closest to “home”).

The friendliness that they greet you as you enter to the simple smiles and gestures accommodating any and every possible question you may have is truly what seals the deal for this spot. As I sit and slowly put away whatever pastry I decided to indulge in the moment, sipping on my cafe au lait, I get to watch as different locals enter and go, chatting up a storm with each other like long lost loves, before disappearing in delight with full bags in hand.

Can’t wait to be back. Definitely now a...

When it comes to eating and drinking, we all realize soon enough that all foods and beverages are not created equal. If you believe in that transporting quality one can find in a simple Madeleine, in a Financier or a Tarte aux fruits, then look no further. Praliné is a gem of a place, the look and feel of the store, the warmth of the employee and of the owner whom I met. I tried a Financier, a French light almond based petit gâteau which was as good or better than one you would find in a good Parisian boulangerie. I also tried some Madeleines, equally delicious. Had I not tried their products, I could have easily believed I was just dreaming. But no, this place is for real, a couple of fine cooks have opened a fabulously authentic Patisserie in Belmont. The standards of quality are extremely high and they deserve to succeed, let's hope we will all give them the attention they deserve, Praliné is...