SnackTime With Jen— Knot For Nothin’, October 22nd

Tucked just outside the French Quarter in New Orleans on a quiet corner is a light and airy bakehouse called Ayu and their offerings are nothing short of incredible.

Being a consummate taste tester it’s not uncommon for me to confidently order a box of goodies just for myself knowing that I will be sampling enough of each item so that I could later accurately describe the buttery texture or the spectacular filling or the squishy exterior. Hey, I’m not saying I’m doing the Lord’s work here or anything but you can thank me later! (#bestjobever)

And Ayu Bakehouse certainly kept me on my toes. First up I tried the big cube Parm and Chive Biscuit because it looked so savory and moist. Wow. This was a hit. There was micro chive throughout and the cheesy flavor permeated the entire pastry without overwhelming the delicate buttery flavor. Yes every time.

Next up was the Veggie Muffaletta Breadstick completely studded with pitted green olives, tomato bits, and salty cheese. This was a showstopper. Sometimes sticks like these can be so crunchy they threaten your dental work. But this soft handheld had a lovely chew, peppery bite, and the variety of toppings baked right in were delicious. Total win.

The Shroom Boom looked similar to a Pain au Chocolat but housed a rich, mushroom, onion, and cheese filling and just the right amount of savory paired with a light croissant outer shell that shattered everywhere when I took a bite. Yum. And their standard Croissant was butter forward perfection.

The best item on their menu according to yours truly had to be the Chocolate Babka Knot. Usually I’m not one to go for a roll-like creation because the center lacks flavor and tends to be too bready for me, especially if it’s a sweet treat. Well this Knot defied logic with its stuck together clusters of rich chocoalte chips throughout every twisted surface. Even the hard to reach interior sections had crunchy chocolate veins surrounded by laminated sweet dough. What a dream! It was a huge snack, so I didn’t finish it. But my unapologetic “tasting portion” could have feed a small family of four.

Ayu Bakehouse is a must visit if you’re in New Orleans. With a few outdoor tables and space also inside to enjoy your bakery basket, you can relax and get away from the madness that defines the French Quarter. Jen’s Little Black Book just loves a snacking paradise and as my neighbors in the outer boroughs might say, “Not for nothin’ but” so many menu items call your name. And although it was not hard for me to choose a favorite, I have to say that I was thrilled to be tied up with this Knot!

Everyone I know just loooves a little snack. Especially me.