Crazy over Cronuts

It is round and flaky, crispy on the outside, soft and creamy inside. It has taken the world by storm ever since it was launched by Chef Dominique Ansel in New York last May. It is a unique pastry, a cross between a doughnut and a croissant. For a foodie like me, the Cronut is definitely the creation of the year!  

The croissant-doughnut hybrid has been the talk of the town. Although Chef Dominique Ansel had it trademarked, bakeries across the globe couldn't resist to have their own versions. Probably because of the demand from pastry lovers who can't fly to NYC just for a cronut! 

I have been searching for The Cronut in Dubai for several months and before the year ends, I was determined to have a taste of the "pastry of the year". Out of all the cafes and restaurants in the city, I opted to have my first cronut in a cafe that I trust and love: Baker & Spice, a cafe known to serve 'local, organic, fresh and homemade' dishes. As my husband and I fondly say, it's Baker & Spice and everything nice! ;)

On a weekend night, Ed and I went to Baker & Spice's branch at Souk Al Bahar, but the cronuts were already off the rack. I was glad that I approached a wait staff who was willing to help me with my cronut cravings. She phoned the cafe's branch at Dukkan Al Manzil and had two out of the remaining four cronuts reserved for me! I happily and hurriedly walked to Al Manzil while I was convincing my husband that it is a must-try, that's why we must go!     

Al Manzil at Downtown Dubai

An hour before closing time, we arrived at Baker & Spice in Souk Al Manzil for some cronuts and coffee! I can be totally crazy over food sometimes and that night was one of those moments. As it was already late, we had the lovely cafe all for ourselves! Fresh produce were displayed by the door way and an array of stunning pastries, including the sought-after Cronut, were arranged on a wooden table.   

Baker & Spice inside Souk Al Manzil

organic fruits and vegetables

Can you spot the cronut?

When I finally got The Cronut on my plate, it took me several minutes on the photo-taking as I felt the need to document my first cronut encounter. Ed was already gobbling half of his pastry while I was still clicking at all angles and thinking "OMG, this is it!" at the same time. Crazy Foodie eh!

The cronut was rolled in sugar and topped with chocolate. It has a creamy chocolate in between the croissant-like layers inside. It looks very sweet, yet tastes subtle... light, rich and magical! It's not like a doughnut, not like a croissant either. This hybrid pastry definitely deserves to have a name of its own! I don't know if it is close to the real thing and I don't really care because Baker & Spice's version is divine! We had it perfectly paired with latte!    

Baker & Spice's Chocolate Cronut

The Perfect Pair: latte and cronut

 layers of the croissant-doughnut hybrid

The cronut-lovebug bit me! I'll be back at Baker & Spice for the blueberry and raspberry flavor. I will also look for more bakeries that has it, so I'll be sharing more 'cronut encounters' soon. :) But I do wish that there will be a Dominique Ansel Bakery in Dubai. I have to try the Chef's glorious trademarked creation... oh and the Frozen S'mores too!

Have you been a crazy foodie lately? Have you tried The Cronut? I'd love to hear from you, so share your fun foodie adventure and your cronut encounter at the comment section below!  

Price:

Cronut: 30 AED

Latte: 19 AED

Location:

Baker & Spice

Dukkan Al Manzil

Downtown Dubai

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