A Taste of France in STL: La Pâtisserie Chouquette

One of my very favorite ways to take care of myself is to spend some moments alone. Sometimes I spend these moments with a good book. Other times I just spend them with my thoughts. Often times I accompany these moments with life's simplest pleasures. Saturday those simple pleasures included a croissant aux amandes and a café au lait at St. Louis's very own Pâtisserie Chouquette by Simone Faure.  

Entering this stunning pâtisserie, you are instantly charmed by the beautiful, sun flooded room. Light bounces off the white walls, tiled floors, and ornate tin ceiling. Two large chandeliers deliver yet another touch of ambiance. 

After ordering my croissant aux amandes and café au lait for here and a Darkness croissant to go (I've heard these things go FAST), I made my way over to the corner of a rustic church pew complete with a cozy throw pillow. In front of me, a mid-century, marble top table awaited my breakfast. It was easy to pass the time taking in this beautiful space. I love the way touches of gold shine as brightly as the artfully made, artfully displayed pastries & cakes in the cases. It is truly like being inside of a Wayne Thiebaud painting brought to stunning life. And I think we can agree. As much as I love his paintings, real life pastries are even better. Take a look for yourself. :) 

The people inside Chouquette are just as beautiful as the environment and eats. I was asked several times if I was enjoying my croissant, and assistant pastry chef Patrick Devine stopped by my table to chat cameras and photography. Connecting with creative, talented people in my community has been one of my favorite parts of this blogging adventure. To my left, a couple was sampling wedding cakes. Straight ahead, a table was set and ready for a quaint afternoon tea.

Chic or not, I used my petite fourchette to savor every last delicious pastry flake on my plate. I paid for my treats (you do this at the end of your dining experience) and stepped out onto sunny Tower Grove Avenue, ready to take on the Saturday ahead. Which reminds me. As if Pâtisserie Chouquette isn't charming enough, it's nestled in an up and coming neighborhood along with other unique restaurants and shops. I completed my outing with a quick stop into Union Studio where I found just the locally made card I was looking for. 

If you are in the St. Louis area, I hope you get to enjoy Pâtisserie Chouquette for yourself bientôt! If you are a far way reader, I hope that you have a lovely pâtisserie nearby where you can take some time for you and better connect with your community.

Warm wishes and bon appétit from me to you,