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.

Brioche by Philip - Prahran

Brioche by Philip
280 Commercial Road, Prahran.

Baked Good: Apricot Brioche
Should you stay or should you go?: You should totes go, it was yum yum in my tum. (yeah I just said that).

I love apricot jam. I love a lot of things in life to be honest, but that sweet apricot jam just gives me such joy. I remember being given a jar of apricot jam when I was younger by some friends who had stayed with us. That's how much I love it and people know. So when I got to pick something at Brioche in Prahran, I knew exactly what would satisfy me.

Brioche by Philip is a chain of bakeries around Melbourne. When you're onto something good, just work it. Philip brought his skills as a French Baker to Melbourne many years back and added a Japanese style when he opened up Brioche.

The bakery its self is simple with glass cabinets filled with danishes and pastries. A selection of filled rolls and along the back wall and in the shop window all the different breads of the world for you to pick.

There's no where to sit, so it's a perfect chance for you to quickly grab something naughty and escape to the comforts of you home to indulge.

I had the Apricot Brioche for reasons I've already stated. And even though I knew that's what I wanted, it was a hard choice as it all looked so darn tasty.

Brioche originated from France first being mentioned in written text as far back as 1404 as per the Bakerpedia website. What makes a Brioche that little bit more exciting than bread, it has a high egg and butter content, giving it a more smooth and finer crumb.

Originally it would be full of fruit and eaten at breakfast, but time has evolved the Brioche to its many styles today.

There is confusion over the Apricot's history. The Nursery at Ty Ty says it is to either originate from 3000 BC in India, or Armenia. But the good old English settlers brought the Apricot with them to the United States in the 17th Century.

The Apricot Brioche was delicious. I couldn't wait for the next bite. If only it were that little bit bigger. Thankfully it wasn't because I already eat more baked goods than I should.

The pastry was dry, but that didn't matter as the topping worked in harmony to give each bite a perfect blend.

The apricot jam or sauce, what ever you would like to call it, was sweet. Both in it's taste and in it's awesomeness. And in between the awesomeness was a thick and creamy custard swirling around.

Overall the cafe itself is nothing special. To the point of being bland, boring and in need of a makeover. But what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in delicious baked goods. Most worthy of a sneaky cheat snack.