Azucar, a Cuban Style Patisserie - Sweets and Savories (Ocean Beach)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!  This is a blog about food.  Today, Cathy is writing because Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are busy with things.

Azucar opened in Ocean Beach in 2008.  Its owner, Vivian Hernandez-Jackson, is Cuban, classically trained in Europe and seven years ago realized her dream to open a Patisserie with a twist in Ocean Beach.  Located on the Northwest corner of Newport at Sunset Cliffs (just across the street from Village Kitchen), the small storefront seems unassuming.Step inside and be prepared to be overwhelmed.  The descriptions and selection of what is available that day are fascinating (as well as delicious).

A cup of coffee along with a cheese roll (pastelito de queso) and coconut-almond florentine (each $2) one day was a relaxing and enjoyable respite of flavors and textures. The delicate pastry surrounding the cream cheese filling topped with coarse bits of sugar is delightful and the chewiness of the coconut and crunchiness of the almonds is so satisfying.  Many people order specialty coffees here, but I find those too sweet and interfering with the already natural sweetness of the pastries.There are also five sandwiches on the menu.  Above, the Cubano ($8).  Slow roasted pork, thin slices of ham, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles.  Pressed and toasted on freshly baked organic bread and served with a side salad.  This is the way a sandwich should be. Those items in the refrigerated section are larger and each is around $6.  Always wanting coconut flavors, our selection one day was the Artemisa: coconut cake, coconut syrup, pineapple, rum, custard and whipped cream. Topped with toasted coconut shavings. Yes.  Dense, deep flavors and wonderful.  

There are breakfast items here (quiche, Spanish omelet, croquette) as well as a good selection of coffee based beverages.  A nice place to stop on your way to or from the beach. 

Azucar 4820 Newport Avenue Ocean Beach 92107 (619)523-2020 Open Mon-Sat 7-6 Sun 8-5 Website 

Comments

[Ning Wei Wang]

I am Ning Wei Wang. I love these sandwiches and cakes.Swiss cheese, very delicious!!In Chinese restaruants,traditional masters always put the cheese cakes with some vegetable soup together. We have a special name: Chuncai soup.The soup is not only for the traditional chinese cook, but for all visitors in the West Lake(a famous place in the southern part of the China). Currently, according to these masters'statements, we put some cheese in our soup. Life in the cheese cakes is very happy, how can it be otherwise? yummy, yummy, ning

[Soo @ hungryones]

Cool review! Never knew that about the owner. I like going there for potato balls and cake. :-)

[caninecologne]

My sis and I like this place a lot. I like their meat pies and their fanciful desserts.

[Faye]

This has been on my 'must go' list for so long. All those pastries look amazing. We've been burnt out (& disappointed) with the desserts at Extraordinary Desserts lately so Azucar would be a great place to try now.

[Ning Wei Wang]

I am Ning Wei Wang. I love this place too. We have several places in China, but we have two names: cake store and Chinese cuisine restaruant. They are completely different. You can't find some sandwiches or hamburgers in the food restaruants instead of chinese traditional food. Of course, you can try some dishes and snack in the cake store or Cafe. Very interesting!!If you enjoy my opinion, I will share with you. Can you tell me your blog or E-mail address?(for everyone) yummy, yummy, Ning

[Cathy]

Thanks, Soo. I couldn't find a photo of the potato balls, and didn't want to drive down toward the beach over the long weekend, or in this weather...because I can guarantee there would be no place to park the car.

We really like the savory items and 'crusts' of just about everything here, cc. The desserts are so good and The Mister and I try to share...making our choosing process more of a negotiation.

Oh, I think you would like it Faye (once the Summertime heat and associated crowds are back to school and work). Azucar is a bakery, but the Cuban undertones make it unique. Always fresh items also...

You've commented twice on the same post, Ning! As you can see, we write about common foods and places where we have eaten. You could do that (start a blog) for readers in your part of China. We could then link it, as we have linked many blogs over in the right column of this page. Even though you know about a place or a certain type of food, others might not, that's what makes blogging interesting-informing the reader.