Sweetness Bakery and Cafe

Sweetness Bakery and Cafe is a hole-in-the-wall dive located on SE 52nd Ave. in Portland, Oregon. It's actually very close to the food pod at SE 52nd and Foster, so if you happen to be in that area, you could swing by here for pastries and coffee!

As with my previous experience at Toast, I looked at the outside and didn't think very much of it. A nice logo for a sign, but not much else to gaze at. When I walked in, it had a homey touch, the ordering counter (complete with pastries and full espresso bar) on the left, the seats on the other side.

Pastries!

I asked the woman at the counter what pastry a first-timer should have. She highly recommended the Blueberry  Cream Cheese turnover ($2.50), especially since it had just come from the oven. I took that with a small cup (12 oz.) of their house-blend coffee ($1.50).

Drinks menu (January 2012)

Blueberry Cream Cheese Turnover
(Sweetness Bakery and Cafe)

Coffee, a house-blend medium-dark roast
(Sweetness Bakery and Cafe)

The turnover was fantastic. A flaky, soft crust. The blueberries and cream cheese were sweet, but masterfully controlled to prevent a sugar high. I'd definitely order it again. But with so many options to choose from, going back through the gauntlet of baked goods may take a while. If only I could live eternally....

The coffee, a medium-dark roast, was relatively strong and very good. I love strong coffees (and I prefer it black, no cream and sugar for me). If anything, it assured my drive home didn't include a possible food coma.

Yup, I'm a fan of this place. The other pastries also look amazing, and perhaps I'll try some of those next time. 7.75/10