FriFotos – If you can’t stand the heat….go get a tasty treat!

The famous quote “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen” immediately came to mind with this week’s FriFotos theme of “Heat”.  I’m taking a bit of liberty with the quote’s meaning to have some fun sharing my love of desserts around the world. With three trips in June and July, I was not in the kitchen at all! I definitely (over) indulged in London, Paris, London (yes, twice in one month), Philly, Portland and Seattle taking my “no calories on vacation” a bit too far but it was worth it!  So if you can’t stand the heat wherever you are…..go get a tasty treat!

British Airways cookie jar
In June/July, I had my hand in the British Airways lounge cookie jar many, many times

Philadelphia has so many amazing restaurants in a variety of neighborhoods.  The past month, two yummy treats come to mind when my mom and I ate at The White Dog Cafe, a favorite farm to table restaurant.

Lemon Panna Cotta Berry Tart at The White Dog Cafe
Shortbread base with lemon panna cotta and fresh berries on top and honey drizzle

Strawberry Shortcake at The White Dog Cafe
A deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake

London restaurants and dessert options have come along way since my first visit in 1988.  On my recent June business trip to the city (reviews coming soon), I was so fortunate to stay (on expense account) at The Rosewood London, lunch with a friend at Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa in The City at New Change and find my happy place at the Hummingbird Bakery.  If anyone wonders why I’m addicted to dessert (and at the gym so much) just look below at these pretty tasty treats.

The Rosewood Hotel Panna Cotta
Room Service at The Rosewood London – bowl of strawberries with panna cotta and shortbread
Hummingbird Bakery London Red Velvet cupcake
LOVE the Red Velvet cupcake at Hummingbird Bakery in London
Barbecoa Brownie
Raspberry & Pink Peppercorn Sorbet with Aerated Chocolate to pour

Paris is full of so many decadent treats from baguettes & croissants to delightful and delicate macarons.  One staple for me on any visit to Paris is the chocolate mousse.  The fancy chocolate base to create this simple, creamy and rich dessert is somehow elevated in Paris.  What I love is that even the takeaway versions of chocolate mousse seem a million times better than here at home.

Paris Chocolate Mousse
Happiness is Chocolate Mousse in Paris

Portland is known for it’s Voodoo Doughnuts but it’s not the only donut (doughnut) game in town so this year I decided to try the other donut shop – Blue Star (review soon). Really hard to choose just one when they have blueberry bourbon, chocolate almond ganache in addition to the standard flavors.

Blue Star Donuts Portland
A boutique donut experience at Blue Star
Glazed Donut at Blue Star
Keeping it simple at Blue Star Donuts with Glazed

Seattle – The Emerald City is home to many of my dessert addictions, thankfully they don’t ship to the East Coast (Chicago is the closest cookie option).  This visit we dined at Luc, a French-American bistro located in the Capitol Hill/Madison Valley neighborhood.  The Chocolate Pot de Creme was outstanding, ah the French!

Pot de Creme at Luc Seattle
Chocolate Pot de Creme  with hazelnut- anise cookie

If you liked these desserts, follow my Pinterest dessert board or Instagram for more temptations (without the calories) on a regular basis.  You may just find yourself in London, Paris, Philly, Portland, Seattle or elsewhere in the world with a road map to fantastic desserts.

One thought on “FriFotos – If you can’t stand the heat….go get a tasty treat!

  1. We didn’t have much of a sweet tooth when we lived in London, but have succumbed to more sugary treats since making the move to Gran Canaria. Amazing photos. We particularly like the look of the sorbet.

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