My goal of visiting 52 REAL bakeries this year is off to a great start! 😉
Last weekend my mom and The Girl and I stopped by The French Bakery in Bellevue, Washington. It wasn’t exactly the mom and pop shop I was going for in my 52 bakeries in 52 weeks challenge but hey, when you’re in the big city, sometimes you’ve got to compromise. The French Bakery currently has 4 locations on the eastside and will be opening a fifth in late spring.
They had oodles of fresh-baked loaves of bread on the racks and lot’s of fancy pastries in the display cases. My mom ordered one of their fresh fruit tartlets and really liked it. I was tempted to order a lemon tart {my all time favorite dessert} but kept on looking for something new to try instead. You know, in an effort to broaden my horizons.
The Girl ordered an apple turnover and after two quick bites proclaimed it was the best apple turnover she had ever tried.
Me? Well I thought the fresh blueberry cream cheese croissant looked divine.
And it was.
3 pastries for $10.10 and worth every penny. We’d all totally go to The French Bakery again.
This whole trying 52 bakeries in 52 weeks thing… it’s a tough gig. 😉
~Mavis
P.S. If you’ve got a favorite bakery ANYWHERE in the United States you think I should visit and you haven’t commented on my previous post…. let me know in the comment section below. This is going to be a travelling year and we’d love all the recommendations we can get.
The French Bakery
909 112th Ave. NE, #106,
Bellevue, Wa 98004
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Suzanne says
Mavis, do doughnut shops count? We have a great one in Boise called Guru donuts.
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes. Yes they do!!
Catherine says
If you’re in the DC area, Mama’s Donut Bites food truck is amazing for hot, fresh donuts!
Cheri says
If you come to south Denver, you have to try Pierre Michel Organic French Bakery. The owner is from France, and his pastries, baguettes, quiches, etc. are amazing.
Linda says
The French Bakery is one of my favorites. I love their croissants. Macrina and Dahlia bakeries are 2 of my other favorites in the Seattle area.
Jane says
So, this may not be a fancy bakery type place, but if you are ever near a Duck Donuts you should stop in! Try the Maple Bacon donut. I seriously dream of it. I drove 2 hours out of the way when I was in OH for Christmas just to get one. It started out as a local donut shop in Duck, NC on the Outer Banks but has expanded to other locations in the past couple years.
Laura says
I literally yelped when I read this and scared my husband half to death. I put this one in the comments last week but I couldn’t get it to go through as it seemed like the site was having issues at the time.
My very favorite at the French Bakery is the Chocolate Almond Croissant. Cheapest trip to France I have been able to find. I met the owner a few years ago before that Bellevue location opened. He was opening at Crossroads Mall and was at the farmer’s market to get interest in his new business. He is French and lovely! So, it feels particularly authentic to me when I go in and order pastries and quiche (also yummy).
I encourage all readers to enjoy the French Bakery. It is wonderful!
Lilypad says
My son and I go to the one at Crossroads with my elderly parents—the French Bakery has so much variety, everyone can find something they love. Their crepes are divine as well. But my favorite thing is their challah and the fact that they make round challah for good luck at Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. I have to order one in advance because they sell out! I did not know that the owner was actually French but now we know why the mille- feuille and opera cake taste so authentic.
Rebekah U says
Mavis – There are several that we LOVE in the Atlanta area. There is a place called Cafe on the Corner in Hapeville, Georgia, right next to Delta Air Lines headquarters, and their items are beyond divine. The owners studied in France, and oh my… Everything on their menu is awesome, but their bakery items are off the chart. There is also a German bakery and cafe in Fayetteville, GA. Their name is City Cafe. They have an unbelievable bakery counter, and their cuisine is so, so good – especially their goulash. IF you decide to head this way, you’ll have to let your East Coast peeps know – so that we can meet you in person! In Wellington, FL, there is a small bakery named Christy’s (or at least there was when we lived there). That one was also pretty good. Not as good as the two I mentioned above though…
Pam E-P says
Amelie’s in Charlotte, NC. 2 locations, either is great!
Valerie in NC says
I second Amelie’s! So good!
http://www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com/
Heidi says
If you make your way to central Minnesota, Cold Spring Bakery in Cold Spring, MN is wonderful! And we sure have a lot of that snow you love!
Cheri says
Speaking of Minnesota, that reminds me of a wonderful bakery I used to know when I lived there–Taste of Scandinavia. Many of the baked goods are–you guessed it–Scandinavian. It’s fun to visit.
Lea says
Second this! I live in the area and have to limit myself on how often I go.
Delicious!
Lea
Robin Bryant says
The Black Diamond Bakery in Black Diamond, Washington. They have a wood fire oven that they use. They also have a restaurant. It’s not a French Bakery, but it has really good home cooked food and bakery items!
Jumbe says
So my mom and pop have a house/shop in Snohomish, Wa that is run by a woman who yes, bakes in house. For me, it doesn’t get more mom and pop. 🙂 The Scarlet Cocktail Parlor and coffee house if you are ever up to visit the Cows. Also Stocker Farm, and Harvey Field and hot air balloons and antique shopping, lots to visit.
Marilyn says
My kids live in Snohomish and I love the area you mentioned. I’m visiting there in a couple weeks and will definitely try this. Thank you
Jessica says
I just was at Scarlet’s last Friday. Such a cute place! 🙂
JoAnn C. says
Scala Bakery in North Brunswick New Jersey has scrumptious Italian Pastries!
Magen says
I would highly recommend Merridee’s Breadbasket in Franklin, TN (just south of Nashville). It’s in the cute downtown area. I’ve loved all the pastries and pies I’ve tried so far and you must try the viking bread stick. It’s great with coffee or tea.
Kathy says
Mertie’s Hungarian Strudel in Brook Park, OH (suburb of Cleveland). Just like my Hungarian grandmothers, my mom and my aunts used to make…flaky, fruit filled, melt in your mouth deliciousness.
E in Upstate NY says
My brother lives in Fairview Park. Will have to tell him about this one. We miss our mom’s bake goods for sure.
Angie says
Humboldt Sweets in Ferndale, Ca. AMAZING!!!! And it’s in a super cool little Victorian town right off HWY 101.
Jennifer says
So excited to see the bakery in Bellevue, WA. My husband and I are flying out in Feb. He grew up in Kent. His sister has some major health issues and is getting treatments at Samaritan Hospital near Bellevue, so we’re visiting her and other family. I will make a point to look for the bakery. If you are ever in the big city of Dunn NC, you have to check out Trena’s Treats at Inspirational Grounds coffee. They are out of this world! Everything made by Trena!
Joely says
If you need one more reason to return to the east coast then this is it: http://www.pbboulangeriebistro.com. The PB Boulangerie Bistro in Wellfleet, MA. Yummy!!
Amber says
We have a sweet little place here in Cashmere in North Central Washington called Sure to Rise Bakery. Also in East Wenatchee there is a great place called GLAZE!…you can imagine!
Gwenn says
If you are in Southeast Michigan stop by Astoria Bakery near downtown Detroit in the Greektown neighborhood or Aykroyd’s Scottish Bakery in neighboring Redford, MI. Aykroyd’s have sweet or savory baked goods that are worth every penny and have been family-run since 1949.
Marybeth says
La Fiorentina Pastry Shop in Springfield Massachusetts is amazing. My husband grew up there and some of his family still live there. The chocolate mousse cake is to die for. My daughter’s favorite are the cannoli’s. Everything is wonderful. We live in New York and there are a ton of great bakeries. La Fiorentina blows them all away.
Becka says
The Astoria Bakery is wonderful!
Vanessa says
Not many people would consider Wichita, KS a hot spot for traveling but we think it’s pretty great. And if you come, don’t miss the Donut Whole on E. Douglas. Just about every imaginable donut concoction at one time or another. If a “meal” is on your schedule, try the Doo Dah (slang for Wichita) Diner on Kellogg Dr. The banana bread French toast is out of this world.
Desiree says
In Lebanon Oregon there is a little bakery called Kris’s Kitchen. It is owned by a Mennonite family I believe. My grandma Sellon made the very best pies on the planet. The crust was so good you saved it for last! Kris’s kitchen comes so close that my family has fallen in love with their pies. They also make delectable oatmeal bread, yummy sugar cookies and cake balls….and a wide variety of other types of breads, cookies and pastries. They also serve soup though I have never tried that. It’s a quaint little shop in the downtown area and I would very highly recommend them to everyone!!
Serina C says
Don’t forget to check out asian bakeries! I went to Vancouver Canada recently and was quite impressed with the bakeries in Chinatown! There were a lot so I don’t remember names. They had some mango, coconut and guava cakes! Artistic and exotic assortment!
Jayne says
I don’t have a recommendation for a bakery, as I am in western Canada (but we do have a fabulous authentic French bakery), but I thought might want to augment your bakery tastings with some related reading. I came across one by Jenny Colgan, and I have seen others in the library. Just a suggestion.
JJ
Lita says
Mendoker’s Bakery in Jamesburg, New Jersey. It has been in business since 1932. It’s very close to exiting off of the NJ Turnpike. Their Pumpernickel Bread is beyond delcious!
christym says
Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe in Stevensville, Michigan.
Great pastries. Cakes YES. Bavarian cream yum.
http://www.bitofswiss.com/notables.html
brenda says
My favorite is Pedretti’s bakery in Elkader Iowa. My grandkids love the donut holes and my favorite is the long johns with maple frosting. they also have yummy cookies and pastries. pedrettisbakery.com
Letty says
If you ever venture to West Seattle, I highly recommend Bakery Nouveau! It is a french bakery as well and they have Amazing twice baked almond croissants (honestly everything there is beyond delicious!). There is also one in Capitol Hill, but the West Seattle one has a special place in my heart, my husband proposed to me there with one of their cakes : )
Georgie says
if you ever make it to Michigan… there are two bakeries you cannot miss: Louie’s Bakery in the historic town of Marshall, MI; you can’t go wrong with the cream filled long John or the famous nut roll. This ma and pop bakery has a reputation and lifetime following for miles around. Also, there’s Cops and Donuts in Claire, MI which is owned and operated by… you guessed it – cops! Try the squealer donut – there’s an entire piece of bacon on top!
Gwenn says
Oh note to self. The HH and I moved to MI about 3 years ago and are always looking for new places in MI to visit and if there is food involved, even better. 🙂
Amanda says
You should visit the Detour Bakery in Denver, Colorado! It’s a sweet little shop with amazing owners! My girls love their cinnamon rolls and I am in love with their apricot thing (official name!) as well as their savory breakfast pastries.
https://www.facebook.com/Detour-Bakery-1531371073783165/
Rebekah U says
OH!! I forgot a FAVORITE donut shop…. Shipley’s Donuts in Nashville, TN. Not fancy, but will rock your donut world.
Karen says
The Beaverton bakery in Beaverton Oregon is 100 years old – literally…. it’s a great throwback to a real authentic old fashioned bakery with great options of baked goodies,cakes, treats, cookies and holiday /seasonal specialties . I’m sure you would love it!
Lisa says
Hi Mavis,
Here’s a wonderful small town European bakery in Prior Lake, Minnesota called Edelweiss Bakery. I Live nearby love to go to here for a special treat. It is in a suburb of Minneapolis. I think you would love it!
http://edelweissbakery.net/
Lisa
EB says
Two Fat Cats in Portland, Maine and Baker’s Bench in Westbrook, Maine are fabulous. La Gourmandine in Pittsburgh is also superb, and La Maison Navarre in Portsmouth, NH has macarons that we still dream about. Pinhos in Roselle, NJ is also fantastic, and Veniero’s in NYC is legendary.
Pam says
Bob’s Well Bread-Los Alamos CA
Knead Baking Co.-Ojai CA
both gems!!
Traci says
This short list comes to mind;
White Salmon Baking Co, White Salmon WA, get cardamon sticky bun
Gathering Together Farm Corvallis OR, chocolate croissant or chocolate potato doughnut
The Sweet Life Patisserie, Eugene OR, the best tiramisu ever or the seasonal treat can’t go wrong!
Magnolia Sweets, Florence OR Very small family shop in a garage behind a pottery gallery, so worth the search!
Ferndale Pie Company, Ferndale OR, well, get pie, Peach ala mode for breakfast on an early summer morning is divine. They have two outdoor tables and fresh doggie water bowls.
I started buying bakery t-shirts like concert shirts and adding them to my black t-shirt wardrobe,
Plus I am so taking notes on this year long adventure, daughter and I are making plans for a couple months long road trip across the US in 2019. Farmers Markets, Yarn Shops and Bakeries are at the top of the list.
Deb says
Mavis, if you get to Texas try Lulu’s Bakery in San Antonio……cinnamon rolls the size of a dinner plate. Yum!
Barbara says
Hi Mavis,
Try Monica’s Café in Old Town Silverdale. Pretty delightful and delicious!
ALysonRR says
I like Monica’s, also. My favorites are the almond croissant, but especially the croissant sandwiches.
I’ve heard very good things about Saboteur (and the pictures on review sites look amazing!). They have two locations, a small one in downtown Bremerton and a full bakeshop in Manette. I plan to go there next time an appointment brings me to the area in the morning.
Enjoying your descriptions!
Lisa Scott says
If you ever go to NYC stop in at the Ferrara Bakery near little Italy. I am not sure of the address, but its been in business since 1892 and they are legendary when it comes to cannoli’s. They are so good that I got up one morning and walked 32 blocks to get some!! You wont regret it!!
Amanda says
King cake (Mardi Gras) season is in full swing here in south Louisiana. I like Pouparts in Lafayette or Gambinos in Baton Rouge. If you can get here before Ash Wednesday you are in for a treat!