Normally, I'd make my own chocolate desserts; I'm a bit of an amateur pastry chef. That said, there was no time this year, so I ordered Almondine's""Opera Cake"" for my wife's 60th B'day The cake was exquisite- really wonderful - everything I expected. If not for a few service glitches I'd award this place five stars.\r
\r
My only negatives relate to their business/ service operation, not those scrumptious cakes. Be warned: Almondine only takes cash, no credit and they don't deliver. ( Actually, I was surprised that Jacques Torres, who is a partner, would let that fly) Anyway, if you have the time to wander over to Dumbo, cash in hand, then it's not an issue. However, there was one more glitch: After agreeing on a delivery time and price, the bakery called the next day to say that they had to push back the delivery date by a day. They also increased the price of the cake by 30%. Neither was important to me, but some folks might scream. Truth be told, I would have paid more, especially given the quality, if only they would have agreed to delivery and credit cards. \r
\r
Note: Blue Apron Foods on Union Street in Park Slope carries Almondine cakes and tarts. They have a small case in the front of their store. They also take special orders for Almondine, and let you pay with plastic.\r
more