After seeing Carolyn Ferguson for months at the local farmers' markets and at Pike Place with her succulent pastries, it is a joy to find that she's finally opened a classy little cafe. Even more exciting is to find that it's in a great location, right at the foot of the Olympic Fairmont Hotel in downtown Seattle. Perhaps most exciting of all, however, is that her foods taste far, far better than even their beautiful presentation could have implied.
I've heard rave reviews about her brioches, gallettes, and croissants, but to test out this French pastry school graduates talents, I went straight for the desserts. I shared a "Boca l'Orange" flourless torte, and an "Opera Slice" layered cake with a friend. I thought they would be fantastic; they were heavenly. If you're in the mood for a truly complex and unique dessert experience, go immediately to Belle's. I'm no dessert connoisseur, but eating her desserts sure made me feel like one.
The ambiance of the cafe is a little rushed and barren amid the sparse roman-style decor, but I imagine they'll fill it in as they go.
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