Sweet on Argentina

Once again I have failed you. I've flown all the way to Buenos Aires and there are no photos of steak. You'd think by now you'd be used to this kind of disappointment. You'd expect a switcheroo. But, I promise this Buenos Aires bakery in Recoleta is more than worthy of my first post from Argentina this August.

The bakery in question - well, patisserie, to be exact - is called Smeterling. Not very Argentine in name, but oh what magical delights await the Porteño with a sweet tooth.

I caught an eyeful of their tempting treats through the shop's window and in I went. The scent of freshly baking macarons filled the air. What a welcoming morning aroma!

It didn't take long for me to settle on a gorgeous pastry enrobed with crunchy cornflakes and chocolate...

It reminded me of Jacques Torres' bags of chocolate-covered cornflakes and Cheerios. Besides, cereal in the AM, nothing wrong with that. Heck, I was having a cup of coffee alongside. Sounds like breakfast to me!

Let's say it together: "dessert for desayuno." I think that'll catch on - especially if you're hitting Smeterling in the morning.

I plunged my fork into the crackling flakes and descended into a thick chocolate mousse and crisp meringue and nut base. A few sips of my cortado, a few more luscious bites, and I'd laid waste to what is purportedly the most important meal of the day.

I was sated. I was still. But then the intoxicating scent of lemon zest started to take over the small nook where I was sitting...

Zesting for what, I didn't know, but odds are it was for something delicioso. Should I stick around and wait for whatever it was to come out of the oven?

It took all my will to tear myself away, avoiding the urge to take a few little cakes and cookies back to the apartment for "dessert for dinner" as well.

And, how about "dessert for desayuno?" That's most definitely gonna become a thing.