Pearl does it again. A new cafe filled with culinary fantastical...ness just entered the scene at the historic Pearl Brewery.
CIA Bakery Cafe
312 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
http://www.ciachef.edu/texas/ciabakerycafe.asp
The Skinny
When I heard there was a new bakery/cafe showcasing the works of Culinary Institute of America students, I had to try their sweets. You can get sandwiches and coffee anywhere, but really how many places are there in San Antonio where you can get premium desserts like these? Not many, and believe me I've looked...
CIA Bakery Cafe
312 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
http://www.ciachef.edu/texas/ciabakerycafe.asp
The Skinny
When I heard there was a new bakery/cafe showcasing the works of Culinary Institute of America students, I had to try their sweets. You can get sandwiches and coffee anywhere, but really how many places are there in San Antonio where you can get premium desserts like these? Not many, and believe me I've looked...
Menu
Mango Mousse Cake
Amongst all the deliciousness what did I FINALLY decide to order? A mango mousse cake. This geometric representation of pillowy goodness was creamy, fresh, and fruity. The texture was superb as it melted in your mouth. There were some surprises inside, like a flaky crust and mango gelatin which offered the perfect level of crunchy texture and acidity. It was light dessert which could offer a great ending to a light meal.
Pecan Tart
And to throw caution to the wind, I decided to try a second dessert, ( I know lots of sugar but rest assured I shared these with my friends so no diabetes here :) ) a pecan tart. Similar to its Texas cousin, the pecan pie, this tart had its own Southern appeal. It didn't have that weird gooey center you would expect of it's familiar counterpart (which was welcome). It was enrobed in crunchy caramel and set in a tart crust. It's a delicious alternative to its all-too-sweet cousin.
Atmosphere
It was a quaint little corner of a thriving district, It had seating outside and in, perfect for sharing desserts in this almost-spring San Antonio weather. It also has a window to see CIA students hard at work in the kitchen. I only saw one but still I am sure he was working hard!
It was a quaint little corner of a thriving district, It had seating outside and in, perfect for sharing desserts in this almost-spring San Antonio weather. It also has a window to see CIA students hard at work in the kitchen. I only saw one but still I am sure he was working hard!
Hits: Mango Mousse Cake, window to the netherworld (CIA kitchen), and this neato custom chandelier made of wooden spoons
Misses: None that I can think of....