OUT OF BUSINESS Sweet Tart Patisserie, CafeBreakfast, lunch an occasional dinner and what may well be the best pastries in ArizonaI know, those are strong words but Sweet Tart has to be in the top 5 based strictly on how good their pastries look. If you are going to count taste ( I always do) then the number 1 slot is not out of the realm of possibility. Located just a block north of Gurley (the North side of the town square) on Cortez,  Sweet Tart should be a MUST DO for any
visitor to Prescott - or at least those who like Pastry. That includes
everyone - right?For Prescott locals this little restaurant has been an up and down affair. First it was great - like nothing Prescott had seen since Julie Anns Bakery back in the 70's. Then it suffered through problems in the ownership and staff - not so good. Now it is under new ownership - Franck ( who was the original pastry chef as well) & Keri Thomas and a whole new breakfast menu - WooHoo! I stopped in for breakfast on a Friday morning. There were a few tables filled but it was not overcrowded. I was greeted by Kim, my friendly, efficient and accomodating server. It is nice to hear a friendly voice early in the morning. The breakfast menu is short - only 9 items and a couple of sides - but it is packed with interesting items or, more accurately, familiar items with a distinct twist. There are omelets made with Black Forest ham and brie($7.99) or smoked Gouda and Sriracha chili sauce($6.99). French toast made from homemade brioche dipped in an orange scented batter($6.99) or Quiche better than any I have ever had ($6.99). I ordered the Classic Eggs Benedict ($7.99), a half order of Grand Marnier French Toast, a half side order of bacon($2.00 reg. side order) and a half side order of Sweet Tart Breakfast potatoes ($2.50 reg. side order). Whew! Oh - I forgot the Mocha - Sweet Tart has a full coffee bar - and Kim, as it turns out, is an experienced and accomplished barista - coffee foam art and all. After a trip to the kitchen to get the okey dokie on the half orders Kim started filling up the table.  The Eggs Benedict, served with fresh fruit, were
nicely presented and, as it turned out, very tasty. The eggs were perfect, the Canadian Bacon excellent and the Hollandaise sauce good. The bacon was thick cut, maple cured with a distinct smoky flavor - nice and crispy - very good. The potatoes had good flavor and nice texture- not mushy or too crunchy - again very good. The Grand Marnier French toast was very good too. The Brioche was rich and tender - but not overly so. There was a distinct orange scent to the dish that was very pleasant indeed. The maple syrup was just fine. By now I was stuffed but the lure of the pastry counter was just too much. I succumbed. All of Franck's pastries are a feast for the eyes  as well as for the palate. Pastry, fruit, chocolate, powdered sugar, ribbons, nuts - they are all used to create pastries that would be worth the trip if all you could do is just look at them. Fortunately, Sweet Tart pastries taste as good as they look. Light, sweet but not too sweet, the flavors of all the ingredients are balanced beautifully. How about taking one of these beautiful little creations home to your sweetheart - or your mom - for Mothers Day - an excellent idea if I do say so myself! Sweet Tart is not a fancy place - more like industrial chic. There is a mix of table & chair styles, a few pieces of art on the walls and, of course, all of the duct work is exposed. Even so, the place is comfortable enough, the food is good and the service is excellent. Stop in for coffee and a snack with a friend, breakfast with a business associate or lunch just because - You won't be disappointed.  You might want to try one of the Saturday(usually every other Saturday - but check first) dinners too. They are by reservation only, include 4 courses and give you an excellent reason to try a glass or bottle from the small but interesting wine list. Take a walk on the decadent side and try one of Francks pastries - anytime - they will blow you away!
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