The last few times we’ve been to La Patisserie, it’s been a chilly, rainy day, making the small house-turned French pastry shop seem even more cozy and inviting. Since I work evenings, we don’t get to go out for dinner very often, but we do get to go on breakfast dates, and La Patisserie is one of our favorite spots, especially when it comes to satisfying our sweet tooth. The shop’s display case is a feast for the eyes — rows of macarons in nearly every color, chocolate croissants, éclairs and massive, gooey apple cinnamon buns (Justin’s favorite). I tend to stick with the macarons and am well on my way to trying every flavor. And there are many, like lavender, espresso chocolate and pistachio, to name just a few. Plus flavors like champagne and eggnog during the holidays. They’re all light and fluffy with just enough sweetness, and go perfectly with a latte or French-pressed coffee. And speaking of French, I think that’s another reason why La Patisserie keeps us coming back. We were fortunate enough to travel to Europe last year and I think we’re constantly looking for ways to relive that amazing trip. The owner of La Patisserie always had a dream of opening a French pastry shop, one that reminds guests of a quiet street in Paris. When you’re sitting at the small tables, sipping espresso and enjoying a decadent pastry, it’s hard not to think of the City of Light.

The shop also sells light lunch items like salads and sandwiches prepared by Pate Letelier. When we stop in for breakfast, we’ll often take away lunch to go as well. On any given day at La Patisserie, you’ll see moms sharing coffee and conversation while their young kids are in the play area, couples sampling the sweet treats or a nearby business owner stopping in for pastry; all of them most likely falling in love with the shop the way we have. It’s a place where Justin gets his rich and chocolaty pastries, and I get an array of macarons along with my caffeine fix. So, until we return to France one day, we have our little secret for now — breakfast dates at La Patisserie.