Sweet Talk at Dolce Delights
When we crave for something sweet, most of the time it comes with a guilty conscience. Not the case at Dolce Delights as Hong Kong native and Baylor University graduate in fashion merchandising, owner Candace Chang‘s love for fashion and desserts led her to learn to cook something that is delicious and fewer in calories. She grew up with a love of cooking and fondly recalls eagerly following her mother around the kitchen. Chang started baking at age seven and while she continued to improve upon her skills, baking for friends and family through school and college, Chang never considered turning her hobby into a career until a couple of years ago, when she was challenged by her parents to pursue her passion as not just hobby but a full time career.
Chang’s fashion background is evident throughout at her soothing gallery-like space, where her delicacies are displayed in sleek cases and pop against a muted backdrop that reflects a white, grey and black color scheme. Recently opened, Dolce Delights located at 3201 Louisiana Street, is a culinary hotspot with about 1,100-square-foot bakery and café focusing on a rotating selection of premium, artfully prepared pastries and cakes. It is now becoming the new hotspot for Houstonians, whether an afternoon tea break or girls night out.
The Pastry Chef and owner informed us at our media tasting that the focus is on reduced sugar and vegan offerings that generate their natural sweetness from a variety of farm fresh ingredients and high quality, real fruit purees, eliminating artificial components without sacrificing flavor. Inspired by her world travels and Chinese heritage, Chang brings a sophisticated palate and sometimes unexpected palette of tastes to her goodies.
The tasting took a very interesting turn as Chang lined up a few of her favorites. My heart goes out to the Mango Lava Dome Cake and the Raspberry Rose Lychee Dome Cake. There are plenty of reasons to make a return trip to the shop as I have yet to try the Green Tea & Red Bean Macaroons. Baked in small batches to maintain optimal freshness, Dolce Delights is the right place for those adventurous eaters. Also try the Japanese Yuzu Mini Cake, packed with Japanese grapefruit and a hint of white chocolate. Dark Chocolate with Brandied Cherries, Lemon-Blueberry Basil: all reflect Chang’s take on favorites from her hometown of Hong Kong.
Candace clearly pours her heart out and this pastry shop can truly be a fashionistas’ best friend as Chang claims that nothing is more than 350 calories. Well what are you waiting for? Dress up, get your girlfriends together and enjoy an afternoon at Dolce Delights.
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