ISO Really Good Creme Brulee

[Velda Mae]

This Saturday is my birthday. I can't have a traditional layer cake because it's Passover and I'm not a fan of flourless chocolate cake. I've decided that I'd like creme brulee for my birthday dessert but don't know where to find a good one in the Boston or Metrowest area. Traditional vanilla is my first choice though I'd consider chocolate or coffee. Newfangled herb- or tea-infused flavors are not options.

[opinionatedchef]

velda, don't forget to tell us where you go and how it was!

[opinionatedchef]

AKA Bistro and Aquitaine are both great spots for bday. yum.

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AKA Bistro
145 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773

[teezeetoo]

cognac bistro does a "teeny" creme brulee for 3.00. It's excellent. I suppose you could have 3 of them! I like their food and their bar very much (love the trout and the mussels cooked escargot style).

[MartyF1112]

I had delicious creme brulee at Aquitaine (south end location) last Thursday. Beautifully creamy custard and a nice crack on the sugar. Yummm! And the short ribs with mashed potatoes and fresh peas were equally delicious.

[tatsu]

AKA Bistro in Lincoln does a fine one, vanilla seeds usually present all along the bottom, and a generous size that's not overwhelming. I am a big fan of the young female pastry chef, who does some creative things, such as her beautiful Chocolate-Hazelnut Raspberry Gel Millefeuille. There are not layers of puff pastry at all, the layers are extremely thin sheets of chocolate hazelnut, raspberry gel, and mousse.

A pic of the Creme Brulee for your consideration:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tatsuuuu...

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AKA Bistro
145 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773

[opinionatedchef]

gosh, vm, finding a certain level of 'bistro-like' restaurant that does NOT serve creme brulee or flourless choc. cake- is what is really difficult. It's very easy to make in bulk; it's delic and popular; why not serve it?! Given that, check out the menus of Aquitaine (trad. french places always have creme brulee), Gargoyles,Bergamot, Union Bar and Grill, Cuchi- Cuchi, Bin 26 and anywhere that appeals to you. Keep in mind that it's THIS SAT. and you need reservations. If you don't end up dining where you have found it, you may want to buy some take-out style- at Flour Bakery or Whole Foods bakery dept. Happy Bday.

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Flour Bakery + Cafe
12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA

[Velda Mae]

It's true that creme brulee is common but there is lots of bad creme brulee to be had. That's why I asked where to find a good version of the breed. And, I was surprised based on my quick survey of menus before I posted my query, how many bistros are not currently serving creme brulee.

[nickls]

What makes a bad creme brulee? I love creme brulee and can't really think of ones I have had that were bad. Maybe the level of vanilla flavor could be one factor, but it seems like getting a nice smooth custard with a good bruleed top is pretty standard at the places I've tried it.

Other than that, it pretty much comes down to size, and lack of unwelcome flavorings. I do agree that creme brulee has become harder to find in the past couple of years as many pastry chefs seem to have moved on to panna cotta (or others) as a default dessert.

I have had good Creme Brulee at EVOO in the past, but last time I had it it was flavored with lavender (which my wife loved).