Aaron S.
Yelp
Does one come to the beach for pastries? No. But do you really need an excuse to enjoy quality pastries? Also no. I am and always will be a advocate for coffee within range of the ocean waves as many mornings as possible. Whether it be via my balcony or café or local restaurant, I want to smell the salty air and hear waves and seagulls as I begin the day. But what I had not found, within such a range of the sand and surf, was a place with delicious pastries. The kind of place croissants and cinnamon rolls are taken up a notch and tarts don't come in silver wrappers and placed in a toaster. Where espresso comes in a properly sized cup and lattes are flavored with house made syrups. So one fateful morning I leaned on the collective knowledge of Yelp and found the HH Social Bakery (well, this location-there are 2).
When a business opens at 8 am and the line is out the door by 8:30 am, you know it's going to be good. I began pursuing the menu ahead of time, as this was our last day in the area. I had to order any and every thing my palette desired (and I did). The pain au croissant (chocolate), cinnamon walnut bun (with homemade molasses), apple orange tart, rhuby ganache, and a double shot of espresso. The presentation, behind the glass and upon arrival at your table, was like that of a baking show. White china plates, clean lines, vibrant colors, perfect complementary textures, and a sweet aroma the fields of Provence could only hope to aspire to. I will not continue to fuel your jealousy with descriptions of each scrumptious bite, but I will say this. In my dreams, much like a siren calling forth to the lonely sailors at sea, I hear these pastries calling me. And one day, hopefully soon, I will answer that call.