I hate my winter wardrobe. I can’t really even call it a “wardrobe.” It’s this weird, random collection of clothes that kinda fit and are kinda warm and look semi-okay, accompanied by shoes that make my size-eleven feet look Elfin and an over-sized coat that’s only over-sized because I’m too tall to shop in the kids’ department. Pants, especially, cause me a great deal of inner turmoil. To put it simply, I just don’t have flesh where pants makers expect people to. Once in a blue moon, I find some pants that “fit” (meaning, they reach my feet and they don’t fall down) and I hold on to those pants til they’re completely threadbare, even if it means they go out of style.

It was one of those mornings where I couldn’t even approach “content” with my pants selection. Every pair I owned was strewn across the bed and I was officially running late. I was supposed to be at the New Leaf Pastry Kitchen at 9:30 to meet Brandy and the kids. But no — there I was, putting on and peeling off pair after pair of jeans. Ugh. I finally chose the pair I felt the best in and headed out the door. I warned her via text that I was wearing my 1996 mom jeans. And that’s no joke: this pair of jeans was one I’d gotten ages ago, and their time had definitely come and gone. She replied, “F-R-I-E-N-D-S.” Ha!

And then I started reminiscing about that show. (What a lame title for such a clever show!) My favorite one is the Christmas-themed one where Ross dresses up as the Holiday Armadillo. Then I remembered that Friends even made fun of pants crises: the one where Ross wears leather pants and then gets stuck with them halfway down in the bathroom of his date’s apartment. We all learned a lesson that day: lotion + powder = paste. So I was grateful I was not in that predicament. Turns out Brandy was a little late, too, so we all arrived, and everyone was wearing pants, even if they were 1996 mom jeans.

New Leaf is located in the Hardesty Higgins House, in the area where Mrs. Hardesty’s Tearoom used to be. The cafe is bright and spacious with several tables and a self-serve coffee station. Enticing concoctions fill the display case, some delicate, some sturdy… all exceptionally beautiful, almost too pretty to eat. New Leaf offers celebration cakes (by special order), morning pastries, European pastries, “savories,” cookies, and breads. They also offer classes and workshops: coming up on February 13 is a class on making Passion Fruit Cream Puffs, from 6:30 – 8:30pm.

As hard as it was to choose, we all made our selections and sat down to dig in. Bree chose the Chocolate Bouchon, which is sort of like a brownie shaped like a tall muffin. Cal was very excited about his Chocolate Raspberry Macaroons.

Ella picked out a warm, tender Apple Strudel Tart served with vanilla ice cream… so silky and decadent!

Blake ordered the Dark Chocolate Scone, and Brandy chose the Sweet Potato Biscuit with Polyface Sausage and Cheddar. I think I got the best deal by tasting a little bit of everyone’s food, and I can honestly say that I could eat that sweet potato-sausage-cheese number EVERY DAY.

When you take a look at the menu online, you’ll notice dozens of items listed. They rotate through menu items, balancing variety with fresh, seasonal ingredients. So when you go, you may or may not see any of the items we’ve mentioned here. But you’ll find something just as fabulous, and their system is a reason for you to return frequently!

The New Leaf Pastry Kitchen is located at 212 S. Main Street in the Hardesty Higgins House, diagonally across from the Yellow Button. You can try them out tomorrow! They open at 9 every day but Sunday. Enjoy!

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