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    Treat to Try: Proof is in the Yuzu Meringue Pie Croissant at Parable

    Parable Coffee will make you a believer. 

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    A project that started as a pop-up at Comune has since put down roots on the first floor of the old Lazarus building Downtown. Parable is a glitzy, bustling, thoroughly modern coffee shop that serves everything from espresso to a peach blossom latte that involves “peaches macerated with jasmine florals.”

    But we need to talk about the eats. Because Parable has landed Aaron Clouse as executive pastry chef, and he is doing astounding things in the savory and sweet scene. 

    Case in point: The Yuzu Meringue Pie Croissant. You might not recognize it when you see it, as it’s shaped like a big, giant disc (and “croissants” are named for their crescent shape). The house croissants look more like giant whoopie pies. But it’s better than that. Let’s start with the pastry: the treat is encrusted in a shell of cinnamon sugar that breaks away into an impossibly light and airy pastry bursting with buttery flavor.  

    Piped into the middle of that big disc is a glorious glob of what at first seems to be lemon pudding. But then, as taste buds adjust and adapt, it becomes evident that it’s not lemon; the flavor is deeper and more complex than regular lemon. That’d be courtesy Yuzu: a citrus fruit native to Asia. The croissant is topped with a swoosh of marshmallowy caramelized meringue and candied peel (which seems more likely from a lemon). 

    If you’re sharing, call dibs on the whole candied peel. Never share that part, it’s just for you. And me. Us. 

    Parable’s yuzu croissant is popular. In fact, it’s unlikely you’ll find it in the afternoon hours as it sells out briskly. There is good consolation, though, in the Chocolate Hazelnut Supreme Croissant or the Fancy French Toast and its apricot element. It’s going to take time to work through the entire menu, but we’re all up to this challenge, right?

    It’s order at the counter, and check-out was notably different too. There was no tip option on the screen.  The absence feels unprecedented in these parts, but a little digging explained a lot: Parable pays a living wage. Its employees never experience that awkward ask for monetary tips. 

    Take all my money. That’s a business, and a business model, worth all your support. It has a parking validation program as well. You’ll find it at 149 S. High St.

    For more information, visit parableparable.com.

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    Miriam Bowers Abbott
    Miriam Bowers Abbotthttps://columbusunderground.com
    Miriam Bowers Abbott is a freelancer contributor to Columbus Underground who reviews restaurants, writes food-centric featurettes and occasionally pens other community journalism pieces.
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