New sweet spot creates buzz

 

 

Photo courtesy: Tiara Price

A taste of French delight  has arrived in Tallahassee with the opening of Beignets and Brew, a charming new café serving up fresh, sugary beignets and expertly crafted coffee. It is quickly becoming the city’s newest must-visit sweet spot.

Beignets and Brew opened its newest  location in Tallahassee on Oct. 1 in the Market Square Shopping Center, sparking excitement for those eager to try something new. 

Beignets are a traditional French pastry, often associated with French celebrations. They are deep-fried dough, usually dusted with powdered sugar, and are a popular treat in France as well as in New Orleans, where French influences have shaped local cuisine.

The creators of Beignets and Brew used influences from New Orleans and French culture when curating the menu and interior design. The overall aesthetic features a soft pink decor reminiscent of a French café, offering a friendly and quiet atmosphere ideal for students to study. While some compare it to other grab-and-go coffee shops, this café fosters a more relaxed, comfortable setting where guests can truly unwind and enjoy the space.

The menu includes a variety of beverages, focused on mainly caffeinated drinks like specialty coffee, power fizzes, smoothie, and teas. They range in price from $4-8.

The specialty coffees are expertly crafted options available iced, hot or frozen, and are topped with unique additions that add an extra touch of sweetness. Starting at $6.25 for a regular size, the options include Honey-Cinna Lavender, Nutella Latte, Biscoff Cookie-Butter Latte and Salted Caramel Mocha. 

As I walked up to the coffee bar, I encountered a woman who just received her coffee. It was decorated with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and a cookie. She smiled in excitement once I asked what she ordered.

“Biscoff Cookie Butter Latte, it’s become my everyday coffee order since they’ve opened,” she replied. 

 

Photo courtesy: Tiara Price

While browsing the menu, I opted to try their handcrafted Power Fizz in the Blue Razz Sour Apple flavor ($6.25). The barista described it as a healthier alternative to Red Bull, with plant-based ingredients. This carbonated energy drink combines blue raspberry and green apple flavors for a refreshing balance of sour and sweet.

The standout items on the menu are the delicious, flaky beignets, available in a variety of flavor options. While traditional beignets ($7.95) with powdered sugar are a classic favorite, guests can also explore new toppings and syrups. Specialty beignets, priced at $8.95, include creative options like Cinna-Swirl, Cocoa-Nut Caramel and Nutella.

I chose to try the seasonal S’mores beignets ($8.95), which featured three traditional beignets topped with marshmallow drizzle, chocolate drizzle, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs. The treat was delicious, with the graham crackers adding a nice crunch, and I appreciated that it wasn’t too sweet, offering a well-balanced flavor.

The operating partner of the Timberlane Road location, Zach Andrews, informed me of a new addition coming soon to Tallahassee from Beignets and Brew. 

“We have much more in store for Tallahassee as we prepare to open another location on West Tennessee Street in January 2025,” said Andrews. “We look forward to becoming the newest go-to sweet shop in Tallahassee.”