Salt & Straw

Oh Salt & Straw...words cannot express how much I love thee. Oops, I didn't realize you were here. How embarrassing! But hey, if you have ever tried the delicious gourmet ice cream found at Salt & Straw, you would be able to understand my love affair for this innovative ice cream parlor. First of all, I should note that this place has been featured on Unique Sweets, so that's already a +1. After seeing pictures of their creamy concoctions, I knew I had to stop here when I was in Portland. Unfortunately, it seemed time wouldn't permit me to try Salt & Straw, but then all of a sudden while we were driving down Alberta, my friend was like, "What's that long line for?!" and I was like "OH MY GOD. IT'S SALT & STRAW." I guess God just wanted me to try this amazing ice cream.

We jumped in our car and stood in line with the other dozens of ice cream enthusiasts. I would say it took us about 30 minutes to get to the front of the line, which is probably the longest I have ever waited to eat ice cream. But it was amazing. Unfortunately, I couldn't get that many quality photos because of the dark dusk lighting, but trust me, this little ice cream shop was adorable. Unlimited samples to try any flavor, just be aware of all the people waiting behind you.

I ended up getting the Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper which was surprisingly amazing. It is well known that strawberry and balsamic vinegar go together like PB&J, but the black pepper just threw me through a loop. It was not overpowering, but you could definitely taste how it contributed to the overall flavor. Very nice. My friend got the Black Currant Sorbet, and my other friend got the Pear and Bleu Cheese. Everything was so creamy and delicious, it was definitely worth the wait. All of their ice cream is made fresh and is homemade, what more can you ask for. Also, where else can you say you tried black pepper in an ice cream?

Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper
(kids size)

Sweet Life Patisserie

Located in what I like to call the somewhat sketchy area of Eugene is one of my favorite patisseries, Sweet Life Patisserie. Casually known as Sweet Life to most people, it is probably the most popular place to get sweets in all of Eugene. They always have about six different "desserts of the month," which usually consist of one or two choices from the following categories: pies, cakes, cupcakes, tart, and miscellaneous.

Prior to going to Noisette Pastry Kitchen, this would have been my hands down choice for desserts in Eugene. Now, it gets a little sticky, but I have to say that I still prefer them for their desserts...just because they literally have millions to choose from!

Tiramisu Cake 

Peach Panna Cotta

Blueberry Scone

The Josephine

The Josephine (inside)

Palazzolo's Gelato

Strawberry Cheesecake

Creme Brûlée  

Petite Four 

Orange Buckle

Orange Buckle 

Raspberry Mousse Cake

                               

                                   Raspberry Mousse Cake

Price is pretty affordable, slices of cakes and pies are about $4.00-$5.00, other desserts range are about $3.00-$5.00. Very worth it! I also bought a bag of Bacon Caramel Corn on my last trip. It was kind of steep at $5.00 for a relatively small bag, but the popcorn is delicious! The flavors work surprisingly well.

Prince Puckler's Gourmet Ice Cream

Hello! So today I am writing about the infamous Prince Puckler's! A favorite of not only Eugenites, but also President Obama. Apparently, Obama is a fan of this little creamery...they even put a little sign indicating what his favorite flavor is! If you are wondering, it is Mint Oreo! Anyway, Prince Puckler's is conveniently located close to campus, so it has become a staple for hungry college kids.

Mint Oreo

Oreo Single Scoop + Waffle Cone 

Chai Tea Mini Scoop + Waffle Cone

I am not really sure what all of the images are of because I have gone so many times with so many different people, I don't even remember when I took most of those photos. However, I can tell you that I would recommend Prince Puckler's to anyone who is craving ice cream. They have a TON of flavors, however, their flavors are very "normal." Although there are about 12 different types of coffee flavored ice cream, there is nothing that really jumps out of the blue and bites you. I guess that is the charm of this little shop, it has flavors that everyone knows and loves. This makes this place an A+ choice for families with kids! However, I am biased towards ice cream shops with really funky and innovative flavors. That is why I would choose Red Wagon Creamery over Prince Puckler's. My standard flavor is  "Cookies n' Cream" or basically anything with Oreo. I judge a good ice cream shop based on whether or not I find myself going back to my "usual" or having an urge to try something new. The first time I went to Prince Puckler's I did get my "usual," but by my third trip, I was trying something else.  On the other hand, Red Wagon Creamery doesn't even carry Cookies n' Cream, they carry whatever is in their little cart for the week. That means that their selection is a lot more limited than Prince Puckler's. Both ice creameries are great in their own ways, it all depends what you want your ice cream experience to be.

Larry's Cupcake Cafe

My friend Brian had told me about this new cupcake place that he had heard good things about, and I knew we had to go there immediately. Now this place isn't your typical "make it just for kids" type of cupcake place, they actually make such sophisticated flavors (some involving alcohol) that would only target adults. It is located in downtown Eugene, conveniently close to the Saturday Market.

The impression I got of this place upon entering through the glass doors, was how organized and clean it looked. So different from the typical Eugene way of haphazardly decorating with whatever "hipster" decorations can be scavenged from yard sales.

I had heard things about their cupcakes and their cream puffs, so I knew I had to get both. As a way to both taunt my boyfriend and show him that he's always in my thoughts, I decided to get the "Apple Pie Surprise" cupcake, because apple desserts are his favorite.

(Left) Raspberry Cream Puff [$0.75]
(Right) Apple Pie Surprise Cupcake [$3.75]

White Chocolate Marionberry Cupcake [$3.75]

Tiramisu Cupcake [$3.75]

Mocha Madness Cupcake [$3.75]

Very Berry Cupcake [$3.75]

Each cupcake was filled with a surprise of some sort! Not to toot my own horn, but I believe I made the best choice with mine. The presentation of the cupcake was adorable, and I love how the frosting piped so that it looked like an apple pie! The cream puffs were also amazing! The cream wasn't heavy at all, but it still had the strong flavor of raspberry. The puff pastry was beautiful crafted to be amazingly soft and fluffy. They also had a buy 3 for $2.00 deal. Although the cupcakes were pricier than what you would normally pay for a cupcake (standard $3.75 price), I believe that "gourmet" cupcakes are worth every penny. Larry's cupcakes were particularly moist and creative. Best I have had in Eugene so far. Would recommend to ANYONE.

Larry!