#brochefs

Pork Floss! (It's even tastier than it sounds...)

Several centuries before the first brochef combined bacon and chocolate (yawn) and declared it good, Chinese gourmands were quietly developing a deep roster of sweet/savory traditions that put more obvious pairings to shame.

I don't even know the name of the above pastry, a standout from Manna One Bakery at 27 Catherine St., but the combination of caramelized brown sugar, pork floss, sesame seeds and lard tastes like a sticky bun gone rogue. Rousong, aka pork floss or meat wool, are thin, fluffy threads of protein cooked in sweet soy.