Bittersweet Treats Now Open in Pasadena: Whoopie Pies, Rose Cakes + Figgy Bars for the Holidays

bst1.jpg
A. Scattergood
sugar cookies at Bittersweet Treats
Pasadena, once the closest thing L.A. had to a food desert, finally is going through something of a renaissance. With the recent additions of Umami Burger and Float, there's also a lovely new dessert shop. Danielle Keene and business partner Linda Chen quietly opened Bittersweet Treats last Tuesday.

Keene, whose credits include pastry chef at Wilshire, Little Door and BLT Steak and a stint on Top Chef: Just Desserts, has had an online business, also called Bittersweet Treats, where folks could order her stellar cakes, pies, cookies and pastries. But now there's a retail shop to go with the business, which Keene has moved into the East Colorado Boulevard location.

bst3.jpg
A. Scattergood
pastries at Bittersweet Treats
The shop is a cheery space, as befits a dessert shop, with loft ceilings, lime green walls, pretty old-fashioned bundt tins on the walls and open cases displaying Keene's red velvet whoopie pies, coconut macaroons, figgy bars, lemon tarts, coffee toffee chocolate chip cookies and "barreo" cookies ("like an oreo, only better"). Keene also makes her own ice creams (candy cane, Earl Grey, chocolate chai, salted caramel, etc.). The shop brews LAMill coffee, including espresso drinks and coffee made with a special South and Central American blend that LAMill made for the shop. (Parent alert: If your kids like tea, they make an excellent decaf Rooibos tea latte.)

The shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., six days a week (closed Sunday). Just in time for the holidays -- and the Rose Parade, during which Keene is planning to be open. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and some ice cream (and espresso) money.

bst2.jpg
A. Scattergood
ice creams at Bittersweet Treats
Bittersweet Treats: 1731 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 626-796-8655.

My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

Now Trending

From the Vault

 

©2013 LA Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Los Angeles

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city