In one word: Predictable
I was in the South East on business (kind of) so thought it wise to swing by a recommended outlet for another vanilla slice fix prior to sunning it up on Mentone beach. This small bakery patisserie was flying the French flag and offered some freshly baked local produce at reasonable prices. At $4.50 I was satisfied with the price for such a heavy slab of French vanilla goodness, comprising of the 3 layer pastry and patterned royal icing topping. However, rather predictably, this slice was just not as tasty as it looked. I have found this to be the case with many French patisseries and this one was much the same. Textures of the pastry and custard were spot on and eating this one freestyle in the car with air conditioning was relatively problem free. But missing was the punch of vanilla and the buttery richness of the flaky pastry.