These crisp golden pastries, filled with ground almonds and sugar, originated in Algeria.
They're called almond cigars, and you can get them at Cafe Livre in Culver City, whose executive chef, Farid Zadi, is Algerian.
The pastry dough is North African brik, thin sheets that are topped with the filling, rolled up, brushed with butter and baked rather than fried to eliminate greasiness. Bite into one and you'll find it's not hollow but filled with tasty crumbs that are just barely sweetened.
The plate is painted with citrus syrup, which Algerians prefer to honey. Cafe Livre's version is flavored with orange and lemon.
You can munch on these and other Algerian pastries along with a pot of tea at the cafe's new tea and coffee garden, open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cafe Livre, 9626 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. Tel: (310) 842-9078.
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