Just six blocks east of the river Seine (Schuylkill) between Ave. des Champs Elysees (Chestnut Street) and Rue du Rivoli (Sansom), Parisian expatriates in search of beloved homemade sweets find heaven in Yann Patisserie & Cafe. Though Yann's simple fa?ade makes it appear to be a crowded bakery, table service is also available in the yellow-walled dining room upstairs.
In 2004, Yann received the award for "Best Hot Chocolate" from Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly guide. This honor was bestowed upon Yann because it carries authentic Schokinag fine European hot chocolate and products from the Michel Cluizel Chocolatier of Paris. A trip to Yann would not be complete without gulping down some rich liquid chocolate.
Yann's must-have items are the 14 pastry varieties that are elegantly laid out on display on the bakery counter. For $3-$4, the pastries are nothing less than orgasmic. Known as "Jefferson" pastries to honor our Francophile forefather, the individual Tatin tarts and dark-chocolate creations quickly melt in your mouth. Though the strawberries adorning the strawberry tart look too perfectly shaped to be real, once in your mouth the freshness of the fruit is unmistakable when combined with charming pastry cream. For chocolate lovers, the eclair ($3) is a bargain. The "Opera" tart -- a rectangular almond cake filled with chocolate cream and ganache -- will undoubtedly provide your taste buds with a climactic finish to any meal.
For those of you who might favor something a little less French chic, Yann doesn't confine itself only to French cuisine. Try the tiramisu ($3.50) or the lemon roasted chicken panini ($6.75). If your palette is more local, opt for the Philadelphia classic Steak & Cheese Panini ($7.50).
Seafood lovers are also in luck as Yann creates a delicious Dancing Lobster's Lobster Roll ($11.95) served in a glitzy plastic basket. Other catches include the original Warm Mussel Salad ($6.75) and the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich ($8.50).
Serving hustlers and bustlers of the Rittenhouse Square area for morning coffees and breakfast, and a more subdued crowd for brunch and lunch, Yann is open 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
