Panne e Pizzico - Essendon

Panne e Pizzico
Shop 7, 1142 Mt Alexander Road, Essendon.

Baked Good: Apricot tart
Should you stay, or should you go?: Don't go out of your way. But if you're in the area...

1. Presentation - 2
2. First bite - 3
3 Texture - 3
4. Flavour - 3
5. How'd it make me feel after - 3
(1 - Not so much. 5 - This is fricking awesome)

Sometimes you can feel the passion when you visit a bakery. The way the bakery is set up, the product and produce available and the service. Those three things could make even the worst tart taste amazing, thankfully that was far from the case here.

You'll find Panne e Pizzico nestled in the corner just across from Coles in Essendon. A cafeteria full of treats to eat on the spot and take home with you. A couple of seats inside and a couple of seats outside, it's the perfect little local cafe for a quick coffee and a great snack. They have fresh filled rolls and pizza, bread and pastries not to mention wonderful fresh coffee.

This visit I enjoyed an apricot tart. The tart itself originating back to the medieval times where bakers and chefs could showcase some artistic flair says Joe Pastry. The apricot is shrouded in mystery as Smart Kitchen note the apricot or otherwise known as the Armenian plum originates from Armenia due to it being the cousin of the plum. Introduced from Asia it was a favourite in Armenia long before the Romans founded it and gave it its popularity.

Because the tart is so small it's a perfect little addition to a wonderful cup of coffee. The pastry was sweet, buttery and held together just enough so it didn't crumble in your hands but soft enough it melted in your mouth. The apricot jam filling was sweet, but not overpowering. Together they worked hand in hand to bring a delicious compliment to the earthy flavours of a coffee.

Overall the wonderful little corner cafeteria is worth a visit if you're in the area. The streets are filled with more cafe's than you'll ever need. But if you do find yourself in the area, swing by. The friendly service and fantastic food options make this little gem a worthy contender.

3 out of 5.