From glittery churros to mermaid everything, there are a lot of adorable desserts filling up the hummingbird feed of Instagram. But for pure squee factor, it’s difficult to top meringues. Bite-sized and dusted with color, the sweet treats come immediately ready for a close-up — and taste just as good as they look.
But no one has to convince Fluff Meringues & More owner Kristin Collins about their virtues. The local entrepreneur is spreading the gospel with a new shop at 4800 Burnet Rd. #450 (the former home of Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar) devoted to the cloud-like treats. After capping off a soft opening week, Collins tells CultureMap the patisserie will be open for regular hours starting October 1.
The meringues aren't the only things that are photogenic in the shop. Design firm Matt Fajkus Architecture wrapped the space with a graphic black and white wallpaper and blonde-wood banquettes. Crisp chartreuse pillows add some pop, while hanging boxwood spheres provide more visual interest without distracting from the rainbow colors in the cases.
Rotating flavors of meringues are, of course, the star of the show, but Collins takes the “more” part of the name seriously with a variety of other sweets including marshmallows, iced cakes, tarts, biscotti, and scones. Specialties like baked Alaskas, S’Mores, and Antonelli’s cheese boards can also be made to order.
If guests are feeling creative, they can build their own pavlova starting with a choice of vanilla or a seasonally flavored shell. Then, fillings like lemon curd, Greek yogurt, whipped cream, and passionfruit mousse are spooned inside before being sprinkled with toppings like pecans, fruit, and coconut drizzled with sauces like dark chocolate, ginger caramel, and smoked butterscotch.
For drinks, Fluff carries a curated selection of wines, mead, and beer. Tea service is additionally offered with an assortment of goodies. Guests can add Champagne is they are feeling extra fancy.
Not just content to please the palate, Collins carved out a small corner of the storefront to sell ceramics, cards, bath and beauty products, and coffee supplies. A marbled porcelain cake stand from Austin artist Eliana Bernard would showcase the meringues swimmingly.
Bold wallpaper sets the tone in Fluff's dining room.
