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Dessert First

a san francisco food and travel blog | all things sweet

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{Palo Alto}: [esc] at Four Seasons Silicon Valley

May 1 by Anita 2 Comments

Is [esc] at Four Seasons Silicon Valley the perfect escape? [esc], the new cafe/lounge space in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley is a sleek and welcome addition to the luxury hotel. Chef Eric Keppler, the in-house pastry chef, creates morning pastries like croissants and kouign amann for breakfast along with coffee […]...

Filed Under: South Bay, Sweet Spots Tagged With: bakery, bay area, dessert, esc, four seasons, hotel, palo alto, sweet spots

{Sweet San Francisco}: Hearth Coffee

Mar 24 by Anita Leave a Comment

San Francisco is full of unexpected and pleasurable pastry discoveries lately. I made a recent visit to the Castro and discovered a new place that will likely become a regular stop when I’m in the area. Hearth Coffee is a roastery, cafe, and even restaurant, that serves up a warm, modern ambience, stellar coffee, and […]...

Filed Under: San Francisco, Sweet Spots Tagged With: bakery, croissant, hearth coffee, san francisco, sweet san francisco, sweet spots

{Sweet San Francisco}: Paris Baguette Bakery

Mar 6 by Anita 1 Comment

I’m excited to see an increasing number of globally-inspired bakeries rising into the spotlight in the Bay Area’s ever-growing pastry scene, opening people’s eyes to a world of sweet pastries beyond just American and French-inspired treats. Asian bakeries have always flown a bit under the radar, but several modern new chains are making Asian pastries […]...

Filed Under: Sweet Spots Tagged With: bakery, bay area, cake, millbrae, paris baguette, san jose, sweet spots

{Sweet San Francisco}: Choux Bakery

Mar 28 by Anita 1 Comment

Schedule Happy weekend! Time for another sweet recommendation in San Francisco. The current golden age for bakeries in the town shows no signs of ending, to my sweet tooth’s delight. My latest discovery is this very small, but very sweet little shop dedicated to one of my favorite French pastries, the cream puff....

Filed Under: San Francisco, Sweet Spots, Sweet Spots, Travel Tagged With: bakery, choux, cream puff, french, pastry, recommendations, san francisco, sweet san francisco, sweet spots

A Mission Tour with Negra Modelo and Rick Bayless

Nov 26 by Anita 30 Comments

  I know, the week before Thanksgiving and I’m in a posting frenzy! I just posted about pie, now I’m hoping to whet your appetite further with a glimpse into the Mission District of San Francisco, courtesy of Negra Modelo....

Filed Under: San Francisco, SF Events, Sweet Spots Tagged With: bakery, food tour, mexicatessen, mission, negra modelo, rick bayless, san francisco, tres restaurant

{Cookbook Review} ‘Tis the Time for Better Nutter Butters

Dec 3 by Anita 11 Comments

Happy December! Hope you had a good Thanksgiving holiday!...

Filed Under: Cookbooks, Cookies, Recipes, Reviews Tagged With: bakery, bouchon, cookbook, cookies, nutter butters, peanut butter, review

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best of dessert first


The Making of Macarons (Sucre Cuit Style)

Hong Kong Eggettes (Daan Jai)


Tis the Season (Chocolate Mint Macarons)

A Better Brioche


Consider the Humble Chocolate Chip Cookie

A Feast of Figs


Pure Dessert, Pure Inspiration (Chocolate Citrus Tart)

My Own Remembrance of Things Past: Daan Tats


The Slow Drip of Coffee on a Languorous Summer's Day

Still Life of Strawberry Tart

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about pastrygirl

Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and dog Max. More about pastrygirl

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Please e-mail anita {at} dessertfirstgirl {dot} com with all collaboration inquiries, pastry questions, or just to say hi! I look forward to hearing from you!
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