Runner & Stone's Chocolate-Almond Croissant is Sublime

[Photographs: Niko Triantafillou]

It's no secret that Runner and Stone in Gowanus has superb bread and some very nice baked goods. But the Chocolate Almond Croissant ($3.50) belongs among the city's best. Chocolate croissants are common things; almond croissants too. The combination of both is rare and well worth a look.

Crunchy laminated dough makes this croissant so special, especially when contrasted with soft interior layers that are completely saturated with almond paste and soft, high quality dark chocolate. There's not a dry spot in this croissant.

Each bite brings all three winning characteristics: the crunchy exterior, almond-soaked buttery dough layers, and rich dark chocolate. Savor each crunchy, crackly morsel, then when you're finished, get another one. These croissants, though wonderful, are small.

About the author: Native New Yorker Niko Triantafillou is the founder of DessertBuzz.com his photographs of desserts and pastry chefs have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Dessert Professional Magazine. He is an unabashed foodie nerdling. Follow him on Twitter at @DessertBuzz.