08/10/08

A treat for the senses!

by Stephie4

I recently stayed in the Union Square area and fell in love with Tisserie. From the elegant peach colored awnings to the superb service inside--I was in a little corner of heaven. The place arouses the senses; beautifully displayed edible works of art called to me; I had to stand back and take in the the magnificent colors and textures behind the display case. Latin music played in the background as friendly and courteous staff were more than happy to answer all my questions. The aroma of fresh brewed Venezuelan coffee and chocolate croissants made my mouth water with expectation! The almond croissant was melt-in my-mouth perfection. I took a couple more back to the hotel with me for a mid afternoon snack . The place is warm and inviting. I enjoyed my breakfast in the upstairs loft and people watched as I sipped my fresh squeezed orange juice and nibbled on a delicious brioche.

At lunchtime rows of sandwiches graced the display case. A variety of fresh breads, overstuffed with a variety of gorgeous fillings beckoned to me--another feast for the eyes! I settled for an arepa--a Venezuelan corn patty that you can fill with anything from cheese to black beans to shredded beef. My arepa was filled with tender slices of avocado and ripe juicy tomatoes. It was accompanied by a perfectly dressed baby greens salad. I had a beautiful and delicious fruit tart for dessert.

I was grateful for the air conditioning running at full blast in the heat of the day. I took my lunch back upstairs and relaxed for a while.

As I looked through the window at the Starbucks across the street, I asked myself why anyone in their right mind would choose to go there instead of here. ???

Tisserie is a perfect combination of classic old-school French patisserie and Venezuelan ingenuity--the result is a true experience for the senses!

• Pros: Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, fast friendly service
• Cons: -

03/25/08

PRetty pastries, but cramped and touristy

by Johnsongirl

Yes, the pastries are pretty, (and micro, too), and the quiches are OK, even if they pile on the extra ingredients like crab and broccoli but don't put it in the body - but the mass of touristas and wish-i-was-an-nyu-hipsters hanging out in the hot room upstairs or camping on the stools makes it impossible. Go in summer, take your stuff to union square park. Or go to Rainbow falaffel and save hundreds of dollars.

• Pros: Pretty food, usually pretty good music
• Cons: crowded, hot, overpriced, full of tourists

03/17/08

Cool atmosphere, almond croissant to die for!

by tastebuds79

My friend told me this is the best place for almond croissants in New York and he is so on the money. Inside is an almond paste and each bite is light and flaky perfection. I liked the Euro atmosphere and sandwiches. The guy who took my pastry order was petulant but the other employees were nice. Of the minipastries, I tried the coquito (ok) and the almond financier (too bland) but that almond croissant was mouth watering!!

• Pros: Great, relaxing place to eat and chill
• Cons: Too many choices! Friendliness and service of workers is uneven