Panya Bakery

Honolulu $ *****
Apparently Panya is a huge chain, with bakeries in Hong Kong, Honolulu, and now even in New York. Good for them. This particular one is new, located on the first floor of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. After roaming around Waikiki, my friend and I stopped for a much-needed dessert. My tiramisu was amazing. It doesn't follow the traditional tiramisu; instead, it was Panya's spin on it. The texture was fluffy, and the ratio of coffee, cocoa, and cake (instead of lady fingers) was perfect. Unfortunately, my friend ordered the chocolate coffee brownie, which was much too heavy to be enjoyable. Lesson to be learned: order the tiramisu, not the brownie.
Panya Bakery (Waikiki)
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
Honolulu, HI

Little T American Baker

Portland $$ ***
After driving past this bakery multiple times and hearing me complain that we should go there each time, my friend finally parked the car and told me that today is going to be the day we're going to try it.
The interior is the reason I've been wanting to try it. Whoever decorated did a nice job. It looks part Swedish, part Californian - if that makes any sense. Light woods, huge windows, concrete floors. I had a croissant, and my friend ordered some apple pastry. Neither of us were impressed. Everything looks better than it tastes. Oh well. My friend doesn't have to hear me complain anymore.
Little T American Baker (Clinton)
2600 SE Division St
Portland, OR 97202
Daily 7-5, Sun 8-2

Magnolia Bakery

New York $ *****
Do I even need to write a post for this? In case you live in a bubble and/or don't watch Sex and the City (good for you!), Magnolia Bakery is a New York chain specializing in cupcakes. Huge, delicious cupcakes. I will have fond memories of this place regardless of the cupcakes' taste because I am in love with New York. However, this place is actually quite good.

Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleeker Street (West Village)
New York, NY 10014

200 Columbus Avenue (Upper West Side)
New York, NY 10023

1240 Avenue of the Americas (Midtown)
New York, NY 10036