BESFREN

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Pastries. I love em. Like, a lot. I’ve tried them from lots of different countries and cultures. However, when it comes to Korean pastries, I really can’t say that I’ve had any. Korean savory food, of course, yes, and, I love it, but was unfamiliar with the Korean world of pastry. So, I needed to check out BESFREN in K-Town, NYC

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Along with their own in-house made classic Korean pastries, with a modern twist, you’ll find some classic pastry items like chocolate chip cookies, and items from local vendors.

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Now, these guys have been getting a lot of Insta-love for their Triple Chocolate Cookie, so, I had to see what all the hype was about. First off, it’s large and in charge, pretty much the only way I like my cookies. There are three variations of chocolate chunks, hence, the triple part. Now, the cookie is super delicious, but, I wouldn’t go so far to say it’s anything ground breaking, it tastes like a good chocolate chip cookie. What they got really right is the great consistency, the edges are slightly crisp, the center is soft and chewy, and the chocolate chunks are rich and melty. So, while it’s not the most unique thing there, for it’s size, at only $2.50, it’s certainly worth getting. 

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Then, I went with something more unique to the shop, I got their Jasmine Green Tea Roll Cake. Visually, it’s really pretty and definitely photogenic (because, in this age, if you didn’t take a picture of it, it never happened). The cake is super moist (terrible word) and somewhat spongy, with a light green tea flavor. The center is where you’ll get a much more rich and strong green tea flavor, with the consistency of a buttercream. All together, it’s lovely and delicious, and has a feeling of decadence, yet still light enough so that you can scarf down that mega cookie. 

The Shorts:
Name: BESFREN
Location: 315 5th Avenue, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Yes. It’s a great little spot to grab a coffee and pastry, with a hand full of cafe tables along floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sweet treats and a view.
Would I recommend it? Yes. The items and flavors are unique, yet still very accessible, so it’s definitely worth a try. 

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Revolution Doughnuts

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Doughnuts. You guys probably already know, I can’t get enough of them. I had already checked out Sublime Doughnuts during my time in Atlanta, but, I’m not going to just stop at one shop. I was off to check out Revolution Doughnuts. Here, they’re hand making all their doughs, glazes and fillings from scratch, using real food ingredients like organic flour, local dairy, fresh fruit, natural flavor extracts, and 100% trans-fat free vegetable oil. So, there’s a lot of care involved. These guys carry a bunch of accolades for their doughnuts, so, I had to try a bunch. You know, research.

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Now, common for popular doughnut shops, they’re bound to run out of certain flavors throughout the day. After I wiped my tears and picked myself off the floor, I organized a pretty decent order. In no particular order, I first had the Vanilla Bean (yeast). The simplest of the bunch, it still packed some lovely flavor. The yeast dough is light with a bit of chew, and really nice. The glaze here was almost a super vanilla (I think it had a cape on), really packing in natural vanilla bean flavor, noting the tiny little bean specks.

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Next up was the Raspberry Sprinkle (yeast). Now, contrary to this one looking like a generic Homer Simpson doughnut, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one, all due to the delicious, natural flavor of the raspberry. You get the sophistication of a real raspberry fruit glaze, with the fun and whimsy from the sprinkles. Perfect for the kid at heart.

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Then, I had the Orange Pistachio (yeast). I’m not a huge citrus dessert person, but it looked so pretty I had to try it. And, I’m really glad I did. There’s a zing from the orange citrus, balanced with the nuttiness of the pistachios, and the crunch mixed with the soft dough is just delightful. 

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Next up was the Cinnamon Apple Fritter (yeast). Man, I love a fritter. Maybe because it’s just fun to say, but, then again, it’s also probably because they’re really delicious. Here, you get a light and delicate apple flavor, with a crisp outside and soft inside. No complaints here. 

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After that I tried the True Blueberry (yeast). Again, same great yeast doughnut base, but I really enjoyed the real, natural flavor of the blueberry, which you can absolutely taste. 

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Finally, and maybe one of my favorites, was the Shredded Coconut (baked cake). This was the only cake doughnut they had on tap at the time, so, I knew I had to scoop it up. The doughnut is a dense cake, and it’s super moist (awful word) and delicious. The coconut glaze is perfect, and the added texture of the shavings just kicks it up a notch. 

The Shorts:
Name: Revolution Doughnuts
Location: 908 West College Avenue, Atlanta, GA
The Long and Short: Would I go back? For sure, they’ve got a lengthy menu of doughnut flavors that I wasn’t able to try, that I really would love to try another time. 
Would I recommend it? Definitely. They have cafe tables for you to kick back and enjoy your doughnuts, or, if they’re out of a flavor and tell you the next batch will be ready in 30 minutes, park it and wait for those fresh bad boys to make their way out of the kitchen.