PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

Chef and proprietor Karen Krasne's talent surpasses the promise of her impressive pedigree, which includes a Certificat de Patisserie from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Dozens of divine creations are available daily, and many are garnished with edible gold or flowers. Among them: a passion-fruit ricotta torte bursting with kiwis, strawberries, and bananas; a gianduia of chocolate cake lathered with hazelnut butter cream, chocolate mousse, and boysenberry preserves, and sprinkled with shards of praline; or the bête noir, a dark-chocolate cake layered with vanilla crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and chocolate truffle cream. She also sells her own exclusive line of jams, chutneys, syrups, spices, and confections, both at the original location and at an architecturally striking second space in Little Italy, 1430 Union St. (tel. 619/294-7001). The Little Italy location also serves paninis, salads, and artisan cheeses, as well as wine and beer.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's San Diego 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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