Taste of the Weekend: July 15 to 18

Pastries are the perfect addition to your slow, relaxed mornings.

Between entertaining bored kids, outdoor parties, and vacations, summer tends to pass by too fast. So this weekend, we encourage you to take things slow. Enjoy a quiet, leisurely morning (while any little ones are sleeping) with a fresh cup of coffee, a few pastries, and nothing to do but watch the sun rise over the city.

We’ve outlined a few of our favorite places for sweet, sticky cinnamon buns, savory scones, and egg-oozing breakfast sandwiches– the perfect, sweet addition to a relaxing, summer-morning ritual.

Madeleine Bistro & Bakery

This small, family-owned bakery in the close-knit neighborhood of Wilkinsburg bakes up the perfect, comforting treats for a cozy morning. Seasonal flavors are the star of the show: find fresh peaches and dark red cherries top their flaky, sweetly-piped danishes during the summer months.

It’s their sweet and savory scones, however, that hooked me: buttery and dense – not dry – each edge crisped-up for a satisfying crunch, while the center of the scone is soft and utterly delectable.

Mediterra Café

Serving up a whole menu of breakfast eats (the breakfast sandwich, served on a housemade English muffin, is a must-try), Mediterra doesn’t skimp on their pastry offerings. Find everything from sticky, nut-topped cinnamon buns to “adulted-up” versions of elementary school treats, like hefty Uncrustables made with croissant dough. Our recommendation? Order one of their inventive, delicious lattes and as many pastries as you can fit into one box… well, maybe two boxes.

350° Bakery

Known as the pastry provider for many local coffee shops and businesses, 350° Bakery serves up morning goods from their Southside Slopes shop Wednesday through Sunday. Homemade puff tarts, filled with everything from classic strawberry to maple cinnamon, are a fan favorite, though the true weekend celebrity is their breakfast sandwich. Buttery, flaky, homemade biscuits top rotating combinations of eggs and meat. Their latest, a bacon and onion jam sandwich, was a big hit.

La Gourmandine

One bite into an almond croissant from La Gourmandine and you’ll understand why there’s always a long line of hungry city-goers outside the shop’s front door. Their croissants are perfectly puffed and flaky, but it’s the almond cream that takes them to a whole new level. Just at the right side of the too-sweet border line, the pastry is a rich, indulgent way to kick off the day.

If that’s not quite your speed, go for the classic, chocolate-filled croissant or a savory slice of quiche.

Allegro Hearth Bakery

Run by the owner of B52 Café in Lawrenceville, Allegro Hearth is a plant-based bakery and sandwich shop. Fill all of your morning treat needs at the Squirrel Hill shop, starting with the classics: croissants, danishes, and muffins. While you’re at it, grab a loaf of their freshly-baked bread for your week. We’re a fan of the bakery’s challah, made without the egg wash to stay plant-based.