Most amazing pastries and cakes. Top notch baking in the heart of the gourmet ghetto. read more

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I've been to Masse's twice, and I have been impressed both times! It is definitely a nicer experience when there aren't many people in the store, as it's a pretty small shop and there are no signs or labels denoting what the different cakes/pastries are (the people working at the store will explain them!). Both times, I've gotten the little cakes to share with friends. They run about a little less than $7, which isn't cheap, but it's a great way to celebrate accomplishments and enjoy a great dessert. I got the raspberry chocolate cake the first time and the blood orange chocolate cake the second time. - Raspberry Chocolate Cake The raspberry chocolate cake was really good. I liked the shiny tart raspberry glaze on top of the cake, and it paired well with the light raspberry mousse, chocolate mousse, and rich chocolate cake. This dessert was decadent. The striped white and milk chocolate wrapped around the cake was well crafted and it complemented the tartness of the raspberries well. -Blood Orange Chocolate Cake This cake was also great. It definitely tasted and felt lighter than the raspberry chocolate cake, perhaps because there was less of the actual chocolate cake part and more mousse filling. The blood orange flavor was light and not overwhelming - almost floral-y. It went well with the dark chocolate wrapped around the cake. This cake was also super pretty - the top blood orange glaze reflected the light. My experiences with Masse's have been great - it's a cute little shop to buy well-made desserts. I'll definitely be back! read more

Masse's Pastries - raspberry and chocolate mousse and chocolate cake with real raspberries with a decadent raspberry topping - so good!!!! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I've been here at least 5 times. The cakes are great but as stated in other reviews, the female owner always seems miserable and angry. I've been on the other end of some serious negative energy every time I have to deal with her. Knowing this information, I tried to be extra polite to her while picking up a cake last Friday. It was busy and she was not happy. I said my please and thank you's , she barely looked at me and didn't say a word to me. My daughter even asked me, why she doesn't like me! I dunno kiddo! Conclusion- if you see her (you will know who she is at first glance), be polite and expect to be treated like garbage. If you go in expecting a negative experience you won't be disappointed. The male owner (I've talked to him twice), great guy! Salute! read more

Sure, it's impressive to make your own dessert for a party, but it's nowhere near as impressive as showing up with a work of art from Masse's! They're desserts are not only visually stunning, but perfectly decadent, unique and memorable. Masse's had almost a dozen cakes available to take home (without pre-ordering!) for $38-42, and I had the hardest time deciding between the gorgeous lemon meringue tart, ricotta cheesecake with guava glaze, the raspberry chocolate torte, pistachio cherry cake... I wanted them all! But went with the lemon meringue, which they offered to write a message on. This was such a special added touch that made me look like a super thoughtful hostess who had planned ahead (though I surely didn't) Masse's to the rescue! It was such a crowd pleaser, everyone was raving and fighting over the last slices. I think I'll be featuring Masse's at all my dinner parties now! Bonus - the staff here were so helpful and generous, going the extra mile to help me choose, personalize, and get my cake home in one piece. Pro hostesses know... time is money and I'd much rather drop $40 on a gorgeous cake from Masse's than spend hours of my life dirtying up my kitchen trying to concoct something edible (and presentable) for dessert. Worth every penny! read more

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They are open and taking online orders!!!! My family has been getting our special occasion cakes from Masse's for years. Its been the same people serving behind the counter for as long as I can remember (owners + longtime employees). Their cakes are pretty and delicious! read more

Came here to order loveys birthday cakes. I placed an order a month before his birthday celebration in the city. The young lady who helped me was very nice and made great suggestions. When the day arrived to pick up the cakes, they were ready and nicely wrapped. My guests enjoyed the cake and loved it. The lovey most importantly enjoyed all of the cakes. Will definitely come here again and order cakes for future celebrations. read more

Masse's Pastries - Apple tart on left. Raspberry filled chocolate cake on the right. - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Yummy macarons and cakes! Berkeley classic! Favorite macaron flavor is pistachio by the way. Really lovely couple who owns the place are so sweet and helpful. Definitely recommend ordering ahead of you want a special cake, but they also have some on display! read more

Masse's Pastries - Macarons! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

I'm not a big fan of opera cake but my husband had been craving to eat opera cake since months ago. Finally, we decided to try the opera cake from Masse which has been our favorite bakery since years ago (but we has never tried the opera cake). Surprisingly, this cake is really really good texture and taste are on point. Thank you for making so many good chocolate cakes; we can't wait to order more cakes for our baby. read more

Masse's Pastries - Opera Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Im so sorry to write this review. Masses made my wedding cake and I have been purchasing treats from there for years. But the rude, dismissive, annoyed attitude by the folks that work there is unbearable. They make you feel like you are doing something wrong by contact ing them to place an order. REALLY!?! No thank you! read more

Paul's pastries are excellent but I was treated so poorly by his wife who answers the phone that I ended up saying goodbye and will NEVER call again or recommend anyone use their services. Her behavior was completely unacceptable, rude, and unprofessional. read more

The lovely couple who more than 23 years ago brought their exceptional grace and expertise to Berkeley continue to provide works of art that delight palate and soul. Photos to follow when my computer cooperates! read more

amazing pastries. Delicious cakes. Excellent ingredients. paul the baker and owner is a delight!

The most awesome tasting pastries and wedding cakes!! I'm looking forward to ordering again!

I ordered a birthday cake for my husband. I had informed them that I would be there between 10 and 10:30 on Sat 5 December to pick it up. I arrived at 10:15. I was greeted as follows after waiting and knocking on the door for a few moments ( 6 min) the following is how it went down. Owner: yelling--move back 6 feet or I will not help you.(this after having charged my card for it a few days ago) Me : I'll be happy to. And pls I'm here to pic up a cake. (Fearing that she might no have heard me I stepped up by a few steps) Owner: she started yelling at me to step back and told me that I had the rudeness to come early, and she would like me to say "please" . Which I totally obliged her , with folded hands I said pls go get it . Owner: again yelling at me , said what is the name on it . I said it and again said move back ( mind you she has a locked glass door locked and she is behind it) very protected. Her behavior was so rude that I yelled back to just give the cake and be over it. Irrationally and very rudely she said she wasn't going to sell the cake to me. Mind you, I had already paid for it. At that point there was a young guy who stood behind her with baseball bat , tapping on his hand and threatening me with his body language. I felt very unsafe and scared and just cussed her out and left. We called our credit card co and cancelled for non deliverance of product bought. If you want to be treated very badly, and I know some of my friends have had the same experience with her, but still go to her because they enjoy what she makes. In the past, I have seen her harassing people. Even though she has 4 1/2 stars this woman has some serious problems. The rating is probably a credit to the baking staff, rather than this rude and uncouth woman. I will never be going to that place again. But the unfortunate thing is clients are willing to put up with her bad behavior for their taste buds. But not this client.Wouldn't even give it one star. read more

I needed a delicious, light, and beautiful cake for a big birthday. Masse's was the first place I thought of. When placing the order over the phone, she told me, without prompting, we know this is a special occasion, and the cake will reflect it. As expected Masse's did not disappoint. They are worth the price. read more

Masse's Pastries - Mango Mousse 1/4 sheet - 9x13 - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Let me start by saying "good thing I live far from store, or els I will be diabetic by now lol jk" I can't get enough eating their cakes (get your mind out of the gutter) on the serious note, their cakes is one of the best cakes I ever bought. 1. Chic presentation 2. Very reasonable price 3. And This base on my experience. I believe the owner and maker of all goodness that they sale was very friendly and kind when I went their. 4 cakes is AMAZING!!!! I bought the double double chocolate cake with edible gold flake. This cake is one of my favorite cake and it made it more unforgettable coz I bought for my mom bday. Tip: take a slice of of the this cake put it in the microwave for 10-15 sec just to melt inside the cake. You will know why I highly recommend this cake. Ps eat with side of cold glass of milk. Excuse me while I wipe the drool out of my face . read more

Note to self, don't keep coming here and delete it from your bookmark. Came here twice because I was an idiot and forgot to remove the bookmark. Tried their lackluster chocolate cake and their stiff macaroons. Um, no.... read more

This is probably my favorite bakery in Berkeley, CA because I have so many fond memories of this place. I remember getting several cakes and pastries from this bakery such as their pumpkin pie tart, green tea opera cake, chocolate orange cake, mango mousse cake, and a few others that I can't remember. My 22th birthday was very special to me because I was gifted three small cakes from this bakery by a most wonderful person in my heart. I will always cherish that birthday memory. The owners are both very nice, and the service is pleasant. They were both very informative and patient as I asked questions regarding each cake on display. I highly recommend this bakery if you're looking for a birthday cake, an anniversary cake, or just something to treat yourself when you need a little sweetness in your life. I would also like to add that the presentation of the cakes is aesthetic. Definitely a winner! read more

Masse's Pastries - Gift wrapping - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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After one visit to this charming bakery/cafe, Masse's rocketed to the top of my "any excuse to go" list. Quaint, adorable and sun-filled it's the perfect way to ease into a weekend afternoon. The case displays irresistible cake and pastry porn; the experience is a serious exercise in decision making. Your treat will arrive prettily arranged on a little tray that's so freaking cute it will elicit audible sighs. This is truly a place where they understand that beauty is in the details. The singular deliciousness of the ricotta cheesecake with its almond encrusted sides and rich interior set a new benchmark. Hats off to Masse's for giving me a lifetime of cravings, and really large thighs. read more

Masse's Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

After reading Ed L. review, I knew I had to come here and give it a try when I come to the East Bay. Man was it good! Once we walked in, I knew I was in cake heaven. Every little tart, cake, cookie looked so good I wish I can just eat it all up. I wanted to try a lot of things but knew I had 3 other Fro-yo shops to try so I just opted for one. I went for the Mango Mirror ($4.00) consisted of delicious golden sponge cake, layered with mango mousse and FRESH mango. This cake was light, airy, delicate, and filled with fresh yummy goodness. The mousse was just perfect and had just enough sweetness to it. I was actually looking for the fresh mangoes since it wasn't on top. When I got to the middle, I saw chunks of mangoes in it. I can't wait to try all the other yummy cakes the next time I go visit Steven T. in the East Bay! read more

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I am not really a macaron person, but the macarons here were great! My friend is a big macaron fan so I decided to come here with her one day. Her favorite is the salted caramel and I definitely know why now. This place has the best salted caramel macaron I have tried since it isn't too sweet and the cream inside is just perfect. I also tried the pistachio which was really great as well but a little too sweet for my taste (although most macarons are a bit too sweet for me). I hope to come back here next time and try some of their other desserts! read more

Masse's Pastries - Pistachio Macaron - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Awww, Masse's. So cute, so cozy, so friendly. They are well known for their macaroons, and at the time I went they had a yuzu flavor, which I loved. Typical flavors include chocolate, green tea, and strawberry. The lady behind the counter is so incredibly sweet, I had a hard time deciding which macaroons/pastries I wanted and she was patient enough to let me finally decide (I walked away with 2 of everything, lol). read more

Masse's Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

We came in here to find a mini-size of the cake that Y's mother is rather scarily obsessed with: Masse's Tiramisu. To our surprise, we were greeted with Asian music in the spirit of Chinese New Year. Dragon toys, Asian decor, Sakura cookies, Ox-head cakes, and other very Asian stuff abounded. The workers there were even dressed as Authentic Asians. Kicked my ass in Asian-ness =( Y became delighted when he saw that one of the cakes had his brother's name on it - Peace (http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/DJhrmY78ShhF22DGMa-rgg/l). So we had to buy that of course! We also picked out a firecracker cake (http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/-fC7bvkTB8q9nWfMCsjXAA/l) and a cute little ox head cake (http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/etjanDftKed8sJTtNiwAPQ/l). Here they are together if you're too lazy to click on each: http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/QQiBqA6xCtlNOinm2g40bA/l We ended up bringing them to our New Year's Dinner the next day and split the three cakes between the five of us. The cute little ox head became not-so-cute after being cut into five pieces. (I did it!) Y's mother declared: "No wonder Masse's is so famous!" In other words, the cakes were absolutely delicious. Just read the descriptions and you'll see what I mean: 1. Mandarin Firecracker: "Light orange chiffon, mandarin curd, beautifully decorated in the shape of a red firecracker. Festive!" 2. Green Tea Opera: "Almond, Green Tea Jaconde, Chocolate Ganache, Green Tea Buttercream. An exciting twist on a Parisian Classic." 3. New Year Ox!!!!!!!!!!! "Flourless Chocolate Cute Little Ox." As they say, Happy Niou Year...YEAHHHH... read more

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Hot damn do I love my pastries! Masse's impressed me with almost completely furnishing their display cases (just waiting on that salted caramel macaron....,) within the first 15 minutes of opening.. not bad considering how many different cakes and pastries they carry! Small cakes range from $5.50 to $6.50 or so, macarons are $1.50, and eclairs are $4.50 i believe- fair for such quality delights! =] I ended getting a morning bun and a small guava cheesecake. The bun crispy on edges...semi caramelized in that wonderfully sticky gooey kinda way on the bottom, soft in the middle, and crispy on the top edges! Ugh...what a wonderful thing to eat first thing in the morning. The guava layer on top of the cheesecake was amazingly packed full of guava flavor/essence. It did a great job of carrying that lovely tropical scent through the cream cheese with every bite... definitely going to get this again in the future! =] read more

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Masses created a marvelous Birthday cake for my mother. Not only was it absolutely delicious, it was spectacular looking and they were simply a pleasure to work with - making an effort to truly capture my mother's sensibilities. read more

Masse's Pastries - Custom Chocolate cake with edible blue "white chocolate" decorations - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

4.5 Stars - Rounded Up My 12 year-old son (who basically inhales anything sweet) considers going to this place as a special treat. So do I. This is a small bakery that offers a very tempting selection of very elegant and stylish desserts. It's somewhat pricey, but somehow you don't really notice since they really do taste better than they look! Staff is friendly and helpful, especially if you're looking for something in particular, like gluten-free. read more

I came here two days ago because my friend recommended it, and went totally crazy. I bought this almond torte thing, which was really fluffy and delicious and not too sweet like your usual morning pastries. I also got a yuku flavored macaron, which is this citrus-ey Japanese fruit! It was superrrr good! And they're ONLY $1.25. Next time I'm probably going to buy one of each flavor. And I also got a Russian Tea Cookie cause it looked so delicious and short-bready and fattening. My favorite. :) and LAST thing I got was a long cookie/bread tasting thing called Financier. It was very delicious! And the total was $6.10 which is not bad for 4 delicious french pastries/cookies. :) read more

this place may have good pastries but the service sucks. I went in to order a large birthday cakes. As I am giving my information, I asked if I could customize it, this is what I got:" no our cakes are perfect and it took the Sheff 30 years to get here and they are perfect they way they are"!!! Well OK, based on allergies existing for all my guest I can't have your "perfect cake"!!!! so I walked out. A week later I got a call from them telling me my cake is ready!!!!!!!!!!! I was like what cake I never ordered anything, the caller: yes you did!!! I told her you refuse to customize the cake for me, so i didn't order. She said Oh OK, and hang up. these people need to figure out what they want to do. No customization for a birthday cake is unacceptable to me. read more

Masse's Pastries - Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Mrs. Masse is, to put it in the nicest way possible, rude. She was standing at the cash register, so I tried to pay her after ordering my cake, and she went off on me about not knowing how to say hello and trying to shove money in her face. Completely ruined my morning. read more

If my sweet tooth hits while I'm on North Side, I will swing by this little bakery to get my sugar fix! A couple favorites: {Ricotta Cheesecake} the light creaminess of the ricotta pairs well with its richer crust. I appreciate the refreshing taste of this cheesecake and don't feel (too) guilty after eating one. Most of the seasonal fruit glazes are delicious, but the PAPAYA and RASPBERRY ones stood out to me the most. And they are usually topped with fresh seasonal fruit as well. {Tiramisu} my other guilty pleasure when I want a richer dessert. The lady fingers and mascarpone made the cake perfectly moist and I loved the decadent chocolate mixed with it. What made this place even MORE perfect is their awesome customer service. After my graduation ceremony in May 2011, I was in the area w/ friends while they grabbed dessert (I was stuffed from Cheeseboard and could not fit another bite in me). The owner saw me in my grad cap and brought out a ginormous sugar cookie shaped as a Cal Bear and said "Congrats on graduating!" It definitely made my day. For a quick sweet treat in Berkeley, I highly recommend Masse's! read more

Masse is my go-to shop for cakes. We are so lucky it is not far from us. My top three favorites would have to be the Opera, Ricotta Guava Cheesecake and Mango Mirror. Looking forward to try the Strawberry Charlotte. I also appreciate that they offer personal size cakes. Yum! read more

A story about rising above: After a wonderful Mother's Day brunch at Saul's next door, I decided to binge some more at Masse's. There was a line of about 4 deep, not so bad, and waiting patiently while eying the delectable pastries on display, the woman behind the counter looks at me and says, "What'll you have?" Me: What flavors of macarons do you have today? Woman behind the counter (WBTC): We have mango, salted caramel, blackberry currant, chocolate and strawberry. Me: How about half a dozen macarons... Angry, Bitchy Woman in Obviously Foul Mood (ABWIOFM) in front of me: HOW ABOUT I'M NEXT? Me: !!!?!?!! (pause) Me: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you. ABWIOFM: Go ahead and order, you've already started. Me: No, you go right ahead. ABWIOFM: No, you order. I'll wait. Me: (Addressing WBTC and wanting to put an end to ABWIOFMs passive aggressive misery) She got here before me. It's her turn. ABWIOFM: (Addressing WBTC), you've already started to help her. WBTC: I was merely giving her information, how can I help you? Awesome service recovery skills on WBTC. ABWIOFM tried to leave her change, presumably a tip for the WBTC after she realized she was being surly and rude and WBTC declined, saying "No, I'm OK. Thank you for coming in." After ABWIOFM left, WBTC and I raised our eyebrows knowingly at each other and proceeded to have a lovely conversation about this beautiful Mother's Day. WBTC: Sorry about that. Me: No problem. If we were any other place and this were any other day, I'd have clocked her. Happy Mother's Day! read more

Hi Masses, I wanted to write to you. In 2016 you baked a cake for my critically ill Brother in law's 50th birthday. Until the very last week - basically until he was lucid - he and his family spoke of the cake you made for him and how GORGEOUS it was, and how amazingly delicious. You pulled it together in short notice and were such a source of happiness for a very ill man. It turned out to be his last truly happy occasion. In less than 2 years, he passed away.  Cakes are such a part of our biggest life moments - birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and gatherings -  and my family has been ordering and eating your cake now since 2001, when I 1st moved to California. Each time, they have been magical - both in taste and decoration. Thank you for the work you do. It has been improving the lives of our family for 20 years. read more

Absolutely delicious! Got a personal-sized passionfruit cake and it was amazing, flavorful to an impressive degree.

While the almond opera cake was understandably on the richer side, the mango mousse was light and airy, with kiwi and a surprising taste of fresh mango. Customer service was fabulous and I loved all the little hearts on their desserts for Valentine's Day. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/AROCIT_xG30zqkdlkZQ0fw?userid=l-zgWG-brcQ4iRev-pfrsg Good place for sweets for your sweetie. read more

Masse's Pastries - shortbread cookies surrounded by passion fruit, opera, mango & mixed berry mousse cakes - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Hole mole, The macaroon variety I've tasted from here are all consistently the perfect texture and taste one after the next. Although, I would have to say my favorites were the more savory flavors: the pistachio and green tea. Highly recommended, and definitely coming back for more sweets. read more

Masse's Pastries - Marble cake, Green Tea, and Pistachio cupcakes - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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okay, my experience with this place was not good at all. My then fiance and I went here searching for pastry place to make our custom-made cookies. We live around the area so we wanted to patronize local stores. We met with some guy and started asking questions, giving him information on what we want. Before we even start giving information, this guy just said NO. everything was just a "NO" answer even before he heard what we were looking for. We walked out of the place but I was this close from confronting the guy about the customer service he just gave us. arrggh! I heard their desserts are good but with the service I'd say no...I will never go back to this place ever. read more

Masse's is one of my favorite bakeries in Berkeley hands down! Whether it's a special occasion or I just happen to be around the area, I always think to come here and pick something up! They have an amazing selection of fancy looking cakes and having tasted quite a few different kinds, I've never been let down. The space isn't that big, but there are a few tables indoors and some outside too. If you eat in, your pastries are served on little plates with glasses of water! Great service and the people are really nice! I usually have them explain what each of the cakes are even though I recognize some because they always have something new to try too. My favorites include the Ricotta cheesecake with guava jelly and the fruit mousse cakes! The sides of the cheesecake are covered in slivered almonds and the guava glaze is just delicious. I like that the cakes are not overly sweet, but just right. They are very light and fluffy, but definitely pack a lot of flavor. Some of the mousse cakes like the passionfruit one are wrapped in white chocolate, which adds a lot to the presentation. However, finishing all the chocolate can be a little too much for me. That's why sharing with someone is perfect! The mini cakes are a little pricey at around $5.25 each, but they're pretty worth it for a special treat. UPDATE: No more credit card minimum! read more

Masse's Pastries - Passionfruit mousse! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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We were celebrating a friend's life with comfort food at at Saul's and the urge to take dessert home came over me. Right next door was this great shop...am I wrong, or was this the former location of Cocolat?? It was hard, but the decision was a small apple and chocolate tarts. Service was wonderful... Fast forward to after a light dinner... Apple tart was very simple...perhaps a bit too simple. The slightly overcooked apples disappointed, the addition of spice or pastry cream might have rounded it out a bit. Crust was buttery and delicious. Chocolate was amazing...creamy very chocolatey pudding with a chocolate crust. I was in heaven. I so wish we lived only a few blocks away, as our dear friend do. read more

As a customer and as a professional, I am sooooooo SMITTEN with Masse's. I left the Bay area 7 yrs ago. Returned this past weekend for a great friend's wedding. My duty? Pick up the wedding cake at Masse's in Berkeley and drive it to Chateau Le Joye in Half Moon Bay. (Yes, I am totally serious). Paul and his wife Marsha knew I was coming. I think they thought I had SUCKER written on my forehead. A 3-tiered chocolate cake will travel for one hour (at least) through curvy roads? YUPPER! When I arrived I was immediately drawn to the cases. Adorable little individual pastries. The pig in me wanted to gorge on the Brioche topped with Goat Cheese and Figs though. ha ha ha. Marsha was very friendly. She gave me a goat cheese/fig tart as if she had read my mind. I was sooooo happy. Then I got to check out the cake in the kitchen. Paul was very humble and sweet. I ate my kosher egg and corned beef breakfast at that deli-ish place next door and came back to load up. The cake traveled well and tasted fantastic. Custom flavors which included strawberries and rhubarb were combined for one of the tiers. The cake itself was light, moist and not overwhelming. The fillings were light and not overbearing on their sweetness factor. I am truly taken back by my whole experience. I had also picked up a few individual cakes to have in the bridal suite and for the after party amongst us. Devoured. Impressed that they were not expensive. I have had crap cake here at home in SD which costs twice as much. Makes me kind of of a salty girl!!! I adore Masse's and got a little sad. These are the things I miss about the Bay area. read more

Masse's Pastries - Masse's cakes travel well. From Berkeley to Half Moon Bay, I swear !!!!! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California