Talent's rarely content with a behind-the-scenes role -- for proof, look no further than Kanye, Puffy, Timbaland, to say nothing of Jerry Crunkheimer. Stepping out of baking's shadows, the woman behind La Patisserie.
From the confectionista founder of Luxe Sweets (wholesale supplier to Halcyon, Royal Blue, Cherrywood Coffeehouse), La Pat's a stubbornly French sweet shop located in a quaint, naturally lit South Austin bungalow lined with slightly twisted fairy-tale-influenced drawings from Graham Franciose, who, like Jason Lee, skateboarded before moving into the arts/would rather forget A Guy Thing ever happened. The specialty's meringue-based macarons: airy sandwich-style cookies filled with cream in a staggering number of flavors ranging from traditional (chocolate, vanilla) to seasonal (champagne, saffron, gingerbread) to experiments like lavender, cardamom-honey-orange, and rose, but not Yellow Rose, because it's nearly impossible to nail that subtle $10.95 steak & lobster aftertaste. Other things that aren't part of a complete breakfast include chocolate or coffee eclairs, pistachio/raspberry cake, almond or pain au croissants, almond or apple cinnamon brioches, palmiers (puff pastry cookies), and financiers: spongy cakes that will turn you into a regular Baron de Sloths-child.
Because there's always more out there to guiltily eat, they're planning on importing French goods like caramels, hot cocoa, and nougats -- so good, they'll be Giz-on in 60 Seconds.
