While some people are counting calories and eliminating entire food groups, others take a more practical approach to the new year. Everything in moderation is how it should be done, which means that giving in to those cravings every once in a while is a-ok. And thank god for that! Acclaimed Pastry Chef David Zaquine, along with Jerome Assouline, just opened his first dessert bar in the heart of New York City that specializes in French desserts with a little twist. Sweet Rehab, (open Tuesday–Sunday) located on Sullivan Street in SoHo, dishes out freshly made desserts, made right in front of your eyes courtesy of the small café’s open kitchen. Focusing on sourcing high-end and unique ingredients, such as Syrian pistachios, Moroccan oranges and Madagascar vanilla, Zaquine’s new outpost serves up artisanally crafted pastries and desserts that rotate seasonally.
Zaquine, who has worked at prestigious places such as Plaza Athènéé, Le Cinq at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Park Hyatt Vendôme and Bagatelle, was born and raised in France and trained at the Ferrandi French School of Culinary Arts. His and Assouline’s goal with Sweet Rehab is to bring all five senses into the experience of desserts, allowing customers to not only taste and smell, but also watch and hear their creations being made. “It’s more than ordering an item off the menu; it’s about seeing the full creation of a pastry, learning about the ingredients, watching and talking to the chefs while they work — an experiential dessert destination,”describes Assounline. The theme of addiction runs throughout.
Amid the 14-seat café you can try out sweets below antique light fixtures, surrounded by a vintage interior with décor imported from Paris, giving it a sophisticated, yet edgy appeal. Treats such as vanilla éclairs, lemon tarts, and croissants all adorn the menu, which changes seasonally and includes both vegan and gluten-free options. If it’s on the menu when you go, don’t miss The Millefeuille-Minute, made with caramel puff pastry, Tahitian vanilla cream and vanilla jam, or the unique Le Miel, made with pistachio biscuit, honey cream, pistachios and orange blossom.
This is one addiction we’d gladly go to rehab for.
