Best Crème Brûlée In Minnesota

Imagine a sweet caramelized crust atop rich creamy custard. The French called it burnt cream or Crème Brûlée. They served it at room temperature. Many chefs in Minnesota have developed their favorite variation of this delectable dish. Here are some of the best in our great state.

Meritage
410 Saint Peter St.
Saint Paul, MN 55145
(651) 222-5670
www.meritage-stp.com

"Our classic Crème Brûlée is an example of excellent ingredients and great technique. We use the best cream and fresh vanilla and bake the custard gently," says James Beard nominee Chef Russell Klein. "Its a recipe I picked up from an old French pastry chef I worked with years ago." Meritage's Crème Brûlée captures the quality of French cuisine. Klein's dessert originates from his profound knowledge of French cuisine. He studied at the French Culinary Institute, followed by a year working in France and then on to some of New York's best French restaurants. Russell and Desta Maree Klein went on to create their own French brasserie and oyster bar, Meritage, in 2007. It boasts an ambience of wood décor, excellent service and a creative Crème Brûlée.

Barbette
1600 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 827-5710
www.barbette.com

"I eat them all the time. I think they are delicious," says Chef Marc Dresel. "Our Pastry Chef, Colt Schiller, does an excellent job cooking Crème Brûlée very slowly using the water bath technique just until the eggs are set and not scrambled." Dresel adds, they have tried other flavors like basil, coffee and espresso but they always come back to vanilla. In addition to presenting superb French fare in a bistro atmosphere, Barbette is liked for being casual, kid-friendly, eclectic and open for late night dining,

Related: Best French Restaurants In Minnesota

WA Frost & Company
374 Selby Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-5715
www.wafrost.com

Madagascar vanilla beans in a baked custard and topped with caramelized sugar makes for one delicious treat. WA Frost has a nice Sauterne from Château Roûmieu-Lacoste to pair with this delicacy. One can stop by and sample a Classic Crème Brûlée from the Mini Dessert Menu for $3.75.

Maison Darras
401 Robert St. N., Suite 205
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 379-2770
www.maisondarras.com

Grab a soup, salad or a Panini on the go and top it off with a delicious Crème Brûlée. Dee Hill Darras and Xavier Darras brought the idea for French sandwich shop when they moved here from France. Dee put a lot of effort on getting the Crème Brûlée right and now it is her favorite item on the menu. You can get this delectable dessert in a Minneapolis skyway too. Find it in Baker Square on Marquette Avenue.

Wilde Roast Café
65 Main St. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-4544
wildecafe.com

"Everything in moderation, including moderation," is Wilde's way of saying we can indulge ourselves now and then. The Crème Brûlée French Toast is certainly a self-indulgent breakfast, taller than a stack of fluffy pancakes and rich beyond imagination. The cakes are turned upside down with crispy caramel on the top with cherry and peach fruit on the bottom, surrounded by toasted pecans making this an irresistible breakfast treat. It is served with whipped cream on the top and syrup on the side.

Related: Best Autumn Desserts In The Twin Cities

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.