Run, Don't Walk, to Se7en Bites Bakeshop

I had been craving real, handmade pastries all week when I finally had a chance to try the six-month old bakery, Se7en Bites, in downtown Orlando. I am so glad I came to a place that could really fulfill my cravings. 

The problem was trying to pick out which dessert I wanted to try. They had such a broad selection, from cheesecake, to pies to cakes to large muffin-like brownies, that I just wasn't sure. The staff and other guests recommended the Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie, which I didn't try this time but will soon, along with the Oatmeal Whoopie Pie Cookie. This is, hands down, the best cookie I have had, and one of the best desserts in Orlando. The delicious, crispy cookie edges combined with the soft center and delicious filling, make this one of the customer favorites at Se7en Bites. 

I also had the the Lemon Shortbread Cookies, filled with limincello curd. The shortbread was delicious and absolutely the texture I am looking for in a shortbread cookie, but the limincello curd filling was what made the cookie stand out. It was very tasty, and not too sweet or tart. In fact, I don't find Se7en Bites' desserts to be overly sweet like some other cupcake shops and bakeries in town.

But wait, there's more! In addition to a variety of desserts - which change daily - Se7en Bites offers a few savory dishes. I opted for the Se7en Bites Benedict, which is the bakery's own twist on an Eggs Benedict. Instead of an English muffin, you get probably the best savory Southern-style biscuit I have had. You can taste a bit of herbs and it is very flavorful overall. That is topped with a fried egg with runny yolk, a crispy fried heirloom tomato, high quality crispy bacon and a house-made Benedict sauce that is light and delicious.

The price for the Benedict ($7.75) is fairly reasonable, considering the portion size and all the homemade, high quality ingredients. The pastries are somewhat pricey, at between $2.75 and $5.00 each, but they are well worth it.

Have you tried Se7en Bites yet? If so, let me know your favorites in the comments section below.

Where: 207 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando.