The Patio at Sweet Butter Kitchen

I’m sitting in my messy kitchen wishing I were back at Sweet Butter Kitchen in Sherman Oaks.  I’ve got my third cup of coffee for the morning.  The first one got me out the door this morning.  The second one nearly exploded the espresso machine and was thick with grounds.  Number three is basically drinkable, but I ran out of the good coffee and am reduced to pulling out the reserve can from the pantry.

The coffee is good at Sweet Butter, but it was the macarons that Amalia and I were searching out on Saturday.  I shot footage of our trip to Sweet Butter, but the majority of the footage came from me accidentally turning the camera on and recording a wild swing around the cafe.  There’s footage of my shoes, the conversation of the women having tea next to us and more treats like that.  So you’ll have to use your imagination.  Amalia was dressed for the occasion in a grey plaid jumper, pearls and a navy blue wool beret (rolled up slightly as it’s Scott’s and too big for her head).  I actually put on make up and wore my beautiful birthday shoes. We looked pretty good.

But how were the macarons you’re probably wondering with a swirling feeling of suspense and anticipation.  I won’t hold out on you.  They were great.  The best so far.  I loved the lemon and Amalia’s favorite was the marzipan.  There was also pistachio and one that we both liked, but couldn’t identify.  It’s worth a trip to the valley.  Also, the market and patio are gorgeous.

Here’s a list of the bakeries and cafes we’ve taste-tested in the order of our favorites:

1.  Sweet Butter (Sherman Oaks)

2.  Jamaica’s Cakes: (West LA)

3. L’Epicerie Market: (Culver City)

4.  Normandie Bakery: (3rd Street Farmers Market)

5.  ShaadZee Bakery: (Pleasant Hill, CA)

We go to Jamaica’s Cakes about once a week since it’s down the block from Amalia’s school.  So even though they’ve come in at #2, we have a real fondness for the bakery and Amalia usually orders a macaron and an Italian soda.  But they’ve got other delicious treats as well.

We plan to check out ‘lette macarons at either the Beverly Hills location or the new store opening soon on Larchmont.  And we have to go to Bottega Louie because according to many, they are the best.  But don’t worry, we take our duty seriously and we’ll report back soon.  Let me know if you’ve got a favorite and so we can check it out.

P.S.  I can’t account for the change in header image.  I did something.  I will figure it out later.  There are all sorts of little mysterious mishaps occurring today.  I’ve decided to sit back for the ride.  I’ll clean up the mess later.  Cheers!