French Patisserie at Hyatt Regency New Orleans with a Side of French Onion Soup for the Soul

Since Sucre went out of business in New Orleans, I’ve been looking for a new place to salve my sugar itch, in particular, where to get a proper macaron. I did not expect to find the boutique feel at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown New Orleans, but lo and behold, I give you 8 Block Patisserie–maker of my new favorite local almond chocolate croissant and my new favorite macaron, among other delicacies.

Rachel and Amanda with host Aaliyah Shareef and Chefs Charonne Jenkins and Nydia.

Bake This Day visited with Hyatt’s new Patisserie team and enjoyed a round of eight French pastries made by award-winning Pastry Chef Milan Smith, winner of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience Best Pastry and Best King Cake!

On display in the patisserie–these can be gift wrapped if you are looking to send a holiday treat!
Up front, the Banoffee Tart with Chocolate Mousse dome and Raspberry Eclair with Craquelin topping.
Pistachio Pumpkin Paris Brest and Passion Fruit Macaron.
Strawberry Shortcake!
Praline Brownie!
Chefs Charonne and Nydia, all smiles.

And my absolute favorite, the Chocolate-Dipped Almond Croissant.

The most perfect croissant I think I’ve ever tasted.

We will be back to check out the King Cake scene at the Hyatt in a few months, but huge thanks to Aaliyah and her team for getting pastries back online at the New Orleans Hyatt Regency!

We decided to pair this pastry tasting with a simple French Onion soup recipe, made by Corey Constantino, fellow medicine resident and gifted on a dark night of my soul. What a marvel how a simple beef bone broth with savory onions and thyme can pack so much flavor!

French Onion Soup

Caramelize about 10 chopped onions in a half stick of butter, and I mean, really caramelize them. Then add about two cups of beef broth and cook down for about 10 minutes. Add 2 tsp thyme and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Salt and pepper to taste. Then blend until smooth and serve with a garnish!

The Wave by Pure Wine.

Another discovery has been wine filters that remove sulfites and histamines from wine. Really great for people with sulfa allergies or who find that red wine gives them an unpleasant hangover. We tested the one-time use disposable wine filter and I noticed that in addition to feeling good (but I usually do after drinking wine), I felt like the flavor profile of the wine came out more with less bitterness and acidity.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

My chemo-sickened skin has been super dry as fall turned its leaf. Turns out Coco Oil does the trick.
Cruelty Free and Fair Trade and all that. Made with Love and Coconuts.

Products features have been gifted or sponsored.