Karen Krasne sure knows her cakes. Everytime I try to venture out and try some desert place I read about I’m met with disappointment and end up coming back to Extraordinary Desserts. This was no exception. Just Fabulous is located in the quaint little community of Kensington. It got me at first because the decor was so stylish and chic.It was comfortably lit and didn’t feel overwhelming at all. I really don’t like cluttered spaces since it makes me feel trapped. The first sign of trouble was the pendant lights. Getting up to use the restroom I end up nearly passed out as I hit my head on one of the pendant lights making quite a sound and drawing attention to myself. Then there was the bathroom. Though reminiscent of romantic yesteryear…. why make the toilet paper so hard to roll out? I was embarrassed to mention but then Michelle confessed that she finally reached for the fancy paper towels since the toilet paper dilemma was frustrating. After that it was the amount of time to prepare our orders. I wouldn’t mind if I was ordering something… say a chocolate lava cake which obviously needs some time to prepare. But I do get irked when I start to tap my fingers waiting for a dessert that is already prepared and only needs to be plated.
Michelle and Leon ordered what I believe was a peach tart($5.75). I didn’t try any but I must say it was nice to get a scoop of gelato with the tart. They said it was rather lackluster.
We got the creme brulee, I believe it was ~$6.00 which came with a scoop of blueberry gelato. I already smelled the sugar crust burning as it was being plated but I didn’t say anything. My suspicions were correct, the crust tasted burned and it was a tad thick. I like sugar crusts but not when it starts to taste more like rock candy as it seems to overpower the delicateness of the custard. The custard was fine but the sugar crust really ruined it. The gelato tasted a little grainy. I suppose after coming back from Rome, gelato that isn’t from Giolliti’s doesn’t seem to compare.
Hmm… I think I’ll be sticking to Extraordinary Desserts. Anybody know of any comparable dessert cafes?
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Average meal price: ~$10
Food: showy desserts and bistro food
Ambiance: chic and stylish
Service: a little on the slow side
Kid-friendliness: keep the kids at home
Cleanliness: spiff clean
Overall: not really worth the trip… head over to Little Italy or Hillcrest/Balboa to taste one of Karen Krasne’s delectables
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Just Fabulous Kensington ~ 4116 Adams Avenue, San Diego Ca ~ tel: 619-584-2929
Monday: 5-9pm, Tuesday-Thursday: 11am-9:30pm, Friday:11am- 11pm, Saturday: 8am- 1pm and 5-11pm, Sunday: 8am-1pm and 5-9:30pm.
Filed under: Bakeries and Delis, Casual Elegance, Gelato, San Diego, Splurges!, desserts
Hi Liz,
The presintation of the creme brulee certainly was attractive, too bad they messed up on the crust. Good to see you posting again.
Thanks Captain Jack! It’s hard to find the time to actually sit down and post. I do admire you and the other food bloggers for finding the time to post such great reviews.
Are you7 serious, I love that place. I am looking everywhere for the recipe for there new orleans ravioli. The desserts aren’t really my style, but the dinners are fabulous
Leon?!? That arm is 100% whiteboy!
Seriously though, the peach tart was very good. I think Leon & Michelle had some sort of cake that was lackluster.
Sorry Dave! I was writting this like 3 months after we had went there. How’s Oregon?
You are right about the crust. It is difficult for cooks to resist the urge to put a lot of sugar, and then you need a hammer, nail and a straw to eat the Creme Brulee.