where it all begins

A few weeks ago, while on vacation in Seattle, at the suggestion of my husband's boss, we went to Le Panier. While we weren't given the name of the bakery, we were told 1) it was located in Pike Place Market, near the original Starbucks, and 2) it sold the most amazing croissants. Um, say no more, I'm on it!

So after mistaking (and taking pictures of) a random Starbucks for the original (for the record, it was located just outside of the market and anyone could have made that mistake), my husband and I spotted the bakery. As we stood in line, I struggled over whether to get my favorite--almond croissant--or to go with chocolate, which I started to crave when I saw it. Decisions!! I approached the counter slightly stressed, but also ready to ask for one of each (it's what you do when you're on vacation). That's when I spotted 'Chocolatine'. "What's Chocolatine?" I wondered and immediately asked. "It's chocolate and almond cream," the woman answered. I couldn't believe what I was hearing... "Uh, yes, I'll have a Chocolatine, please." 

To borrow a line from Fools Rush In (none of that is a typo), it was what I never knew I always wanted. And NOW I can't stop thinking about it and wondering what else may be out there that combines what I love most (perferrably, though not necessarily in a flaky pastry). 

What surprise food combinations made your day?