Local Billies: A review on new pastries served at the new Billie’s Grocery location in Ranchmart

Billie’s Grocery has recently become my go-to study spot. Nothing beats their iced coffee, pastries and tomato soup as a cure to my homework-induced cravings.

The only downside to the original Kansas City, Missouri location is the constant line out the door. I recently visited the new Leawood location that opened this winter in hopes of eliminating this issue and truly discovering my ideal study spot. 

I noticed their display of items from sweatshirts to cards that you could buy right in front of the cash register. The wide open seating area furnished with plants and spaced out tables made me feel at peace and ready to conquer any assignment. It offers a laid back environment to try some of their new bakery items released after it opened.

I decided to order their new Matcha Eclair pastry and two protein bites I’d been eyeing since I saw the ad for their new collab on Instagram. This collaboration between Lite Bites KC — seller of premium protein and granola treats — and Billie’s was one of their efforts to promote the new building. 

Matcha Eclair:

I’ve always tended towards unique flavors like lavender and cilantro, so I assumed I’d enjoy the strong flavors of their earthy matcha. In a delightful twist, the pastry was light and sweet with a perfect balance between the typically overpowering matcha and the sweetness a pastry should have. Between the three different layers — bread, cream and hardened white chocolate — and the combination of freshness and a sugary tang, this dish was my favorite.

The treat could easily appeal to anyone’s taste buds — a statement that rang true when I took the leftovers home to my matcha-hating sisters who shockingly finished it in record time.

The whopping $4.75 price tag can be an easy excuse to overlook the pastry but it ended up being one of my new favorite sweets. It’s safe to say I’ll be purchasing this one again. 

Cranberry Protein Bite:

Still in awe from the splendor of my previous treat, I hastily grabbed my next plate ready to be blown away by another delicious snack. Though I’ve never been a big fan of cranberries, the moment I bit down on the cranberry protein bite, I was in heaven. The salty peanut butter meshed perfectly with the sweet cranberries to create a delicious yet protein-rich snack. The bite was only the size of a tablespoon serving, yet full of flavor. 

My initial doubts about the pricing were put to rest as I finished the rest of the protein bite. It was truly worth every cent of the $2 I paid for it. For the price of only 5$ for a pack of three, I’m ready to go back and purchase them for a tasty snack throughout the week. 

Chocolate Chip Protein Bite:

Somehow, the chocolate chip bite was even better. It once again provided the mix of smooth and crunchy for an ideal texture and perfect after-school snack. And just when it can’t get any better, it does. Paralleling their nutritional objective, the bites are gluten free, nutrient dense and of course, packed with protein, according to their website. 

What’s better? My delightful time spent in the restaurant included constant help from the staff who were ecstatic to navigate me around the spacious building. 

Now, there’s a close restaurant where I can find both food and cute accessories in a welcoming environment. 

Billie’s Leawood location is yet to suffer the same crowded fate as its Kansas City, Missouri location so visit it while you can still secure a table.