My birthday is in early December. Yes, that is some time ago, but I am still enjoying the memory of a treat my partner brought me the week before: pastries from Voula’s in Rochester, NY. I had never been there (and since have, see below) and never heard of it -- but I can say this: go there if you have the chance and buy a pastry or two.
What did she bring me? Several items, each flavored in lovely ways, with (and without) chocolate. I am not sure what my favorite was -- though they included a chocolate dipped rolled baklava (one of my favorite things in life), a pastry that involves cranberries (I absolutely love cranberries) and a kind of moon pie shaped fudge thing which was also delightful. All of them smelled amazing -- kielbasa's a mix of cinnamon and rose water, and all of them tasted even more amazing than they smelled. To be honest, they were so good that I did not gobble them down but savored them over the course of a few days. I gave them an A+ and not only because I like getting unexpected treats. (These were, in some ways, in memory of my aunt who used to send me baklava on occasion.)
I have no idea what the pastries were/are calleD but I do know we mispronounced every one of them.
In addition to sweets, my partner also brought dolmades. I love dolmades -- and once upon a time long ago took a class which taught me how to make them. I tried at home and, frankly, may have to go back lo these many years later as a more patient person with more cooking experience, and try again. Meanwhile: these were amazing. Another A+ as was one of the two spreads (the second spread was much too garlicky for our household).
Some weeks later we had lunch there, and made a few purchases. I loved the spinach/feta pie. Yes, that’s better known as spanakopita. And we bought some olive oil. Of course, we brought home dolmades and pastries. The latter included some amazing walnut cake that was spectacular paired with honeyed apricots I preserved this year.
Overall: amazing and happy making. For a review from 2015, click here.
Location: 439 Monroe Avenue, Rochester NY
