Oh, hello there! It’s nice to be back in spreading the good vibes here in Saudi Arabia after such a looong, loooong, very looooong vacation back in the Philippines (more on that on posts to come). But before I go on, I also want to thank you for all your support to the Riyadhizen Planner and to the recently concluded Pink Tarha Anniversary. We felt so much love! Now, let me publish this overdue feature on one of sweetspots in the city (they sure are popping everywhere!) called Praline Patisserie & Cafe. While Valentine’s Day is surely done and over, any day is just as good to bring your loved ones to a special place where everything, I would say, is quite picture perfect.

I’ve always seen this shop as I passed through Suleimaniya until one day when my friend wanted to get some Hotdog Express, I decided to take that time to step into the neighboring cafe and check out what they had inside. After all, their outdoor decor was so inviting!

 

 

 

Inside, I found stylish counters with well-finished wood and shiny clear glass. I liked how the dark brown goes with the red as the theme and how the little lamps accented the place with flair (not to mention that checkered floor!). But beyond the fresh and classy ambiance, I was more interested in the carefully crafted treats on display. Here were a few that were present during my visit:

Of course by now I suppose you have deduced that this is a French-inspired bakery/cafe (as implied by the window displays). French cooking and baking have always claimed their own level of sophistication hence it is no surprise to find these decadent items a la “chichi” (consider that your word of the day).

Did you know that the French loves baking so much, they actually have a patron saint for bakers and pastry chefs? His name was St. Honore (Honoratus) and he was a bishop for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Amiens. This puff pastry was named in his honor.

If you are anything like me, I always found myself at a crossroad when about to eat a Mille Feuille or a Napoleon. Just how can I eat it? I ask myself. In my previous attempts, slicing it on top smooshes everything out and it’s not like I can bite into it whole…so it’s been a tricky business for me to enjoy this treat. I have learned recently though, that you could, take the top crust off, then take the second layer and bite into it layer by layer (like how you would hold a biscuit with toppings). I hope that helps. 🙂

 

I also found artisan jam and honeys in their store:

They are also armed with a delightful array of breakfast items.

In my opinion, the place is a good morning place, like if you’re up on a Saturday morning and want to read a good book in a not so crowded cafe, then this place is it. As for the price range, it’s a bit up there but it goes with the carftmanship behind the preparation, I guess. Eventually on my way out rejoin my friend at the next store, I asked the waiter what would he recommend for me and he offered me the Pistachio Mille Feuille. While my level of admiration for Pistachio-inspired sweets were set by Lilou previously, I’d say this one is easily my Top 2.

Praline Patisserie and Cafe 

6678 Abdullah Al Hamdan St.

Sulaimaniyah District

Map is on this link here.

Website: http://www.praline-sa.com

Tel: 011-2939889

Email: info@praline-sa.com

Open daily from 9AM to 11PM except on Fridays when they open at 4PM to 11PM.