Seaside Cafe and Bakery

Strawberry Waffles

Turkey and Brie Melt  

Front Entrance 

   My sister introduced me to the Seaside Bakery and Cafe about a month ago and I fell in love with the food. It is located on 1327 Shell Beach Road, a few blocks from the ocean. With her I went for breakfast and ordered the strawberry waffles with a side of potatoes, they were absolutely amazing. Today I went for lunch and was as blown away by the food as I was the first time I went. I got a turkey and brie melt on french bread and couldn't be happier. The sandwich was a little on the greasy side, but it was still fresh without wilting the greens and over toasting the bread. It was a little expensive, $9.95 for the sandwich to go, and the service was slow, but the people were nice and the food totally made up for the wait and the price. 

  The cafe has a funky, laid back atmosphere, with limited indoor seating, but a large side patio to enjoy the ocean air. If you are looking for a nice place to relax close to the beach this is the place to go. 

P.S  While I was waiting for my food some of their cupcakes and pastries caught my eye, so I will definately be back to give some of them a try!!  

Hot Chocolate Heaven

 
  Hot Chocolate can be a tricky drink to make. Sometimes it is too sweet, with the sugar over powering the chocolate and other times the chocolate is too rich. Finding the perfect balance between the two is the key to making a perfect cup of cocoa.
   Some people love marshmallows and others can't have hot chocolate without a heaping mound of whipped creme. Personally, I like my hot chocolate smooth and creamy, where every ingredient can be savored. Below is my recipe for a cozy cup of cocoa.  

Ingredients:
    1 1/2 cups Milk
    1 Tbsp Hershey's Chocolate Flavored Syrup
    3 Tbsp plus 1 tsp finely grated Mexican Chocolate
    2 Tbsp Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme
    3 Tbsp Whipped Creme
    1 Chocolate Hazelnut  Creme de Pirouline (Artisan Rolled Wafer)
    Pinch of grated Mexican Chocolate for dusting

  Pour the milk in a saucepan and let cook until steam just begins to form. While stirring, add the Hershey's syrup and Mexican chocolate. Stir until completely dissolved and mixture comes to a light boil. Pour hot chocolate into desired mug, set aside.
  In a small bowl mix marshmallow creme with whipped cream until light and fluffy.
  Top hot chocolate with marshmallow and whipped creme mixture and dust with extra Mexican chocolate. Add a Creme de Pirouline and enjoy!!

Le Petit Cafe

Croissant and Hot Chocolate  

French Toast made from french bread baguette

Back Patio

Front Entrance 

   Situated at 1351 E. Grand Avenue, this small Parisian cafe brings the flavor of France to the streets of Arroyo Grande. Le Petit Cafe is easy to over look while driving down Grand, but step inside and you will never miss its location again. The service and atmosphere are reminiscent of European bakeries, serving french specialties such as Croque-Monsieur and a variety of pastries. I visited the cafe for breakfast, ordering a butter croissant, hot chocolate, and French baguette French toast. 

     The croissant was perfect; flaky, not to airy, and golden brown. The hot chocolate was good, but lacked a rich chocolate taste. The whipped cream and sprinkled chocolate added good presentation and unlike most hot drinks it was not served scalding hot, allowing me to drink it as soon as it was served. The french toast was my favorite, designed to be served without syrup, the bread was sweet and not soggy. Dusted with powdered sugar and served as six small slices of toast the dish could easily be shared or eaten by one.  

     I enjoyed my breakfast on their back patio and would gladly visit the cafe again for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The service was efficient and my waitress, who was also the pastry chef, was helpfull at answering all my questions and explaing the unique flavor of the dishes. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy European food without traveling to far from home.