Tall Poppy Bakery, Chelsea

I meant to photograph my pastries from Tall Poppy before I started devouring them, but I couldn't wait. They were too tempting! This tiny blink-and-you'll-miss-it shop turns out pastries with an emphasis on unusual flavors.

The shards of croissant dough above are the remains of my Goat Cheese, Hot Honey & Pecan Croissant. Those funky, hot, sweet, and crunchy ingredients combined into something magical. The half-eaten Mango Sticky Rice Bun next to it is laminated dough stuffed with sticky rice, topped by way too much (but just enough) coconut frosting and mango preserves.

The menu changes monthly, so there's always something new and tempting. While the shop is too small for seating, the mid-block park a few doors down is perfect for an impromptu picnic. In fact, it's where I finished of the rest of those two pastries!

Tall Poppy, 156 W. 20th St., Chelsea. Click here for their Instagram page.