Symphony in sweet and savoury

A MAINSTAY of Pattaya’s bakery scene for more than a decade, popular pastry shop La Baguette has finally found its way to Bangkok with the opening of a branch at the brand new EmQuartier. 

Owner Alisa Phanthusak, whose family operates the world-famous Tiffany’s Show, says she was inspired by Europe’s cafe culture while spending her holidays abroad.

“I wanted to give my hometown a good bakery. In fact, we are one of the pioneers of home-made French patisseries in Thailand after Lenotre and the Mandarin Oriental. Another aim was to introduce the French way of life to residents and visitors. The French often have a light meal during the day and enjoy a glass of wine whether they order salami or cake,” Alisa says. 

“Our Pattaya outlet draws on the charms of Provence and is painted all in white. We use only imported top-quality ingredients like butter and fresh fruits to ensure our sweets taste great.”

The Bangkok cafe is on a smaller scale and boasts a Parisian-style decor with glittering chandeliers, black marble tables, leather sofas and armchairs. 

Here too, only the freshest ingredients, most of them brought in from France, are used. The cafe offers more than 100 different types of cakes and pastries, as well as a selection of savoury dishes ideal for a light meal.

A firm favourite with customers is La Baguette cake (Bt125), a smooth, layered chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse on a crunchy 

 caramel base. Other popular orders include strawberry cheesecake, panna cotta blackcurrant marble cake, hazelnut crepe cake, pistachio & white chocolate mousse and strawberry mousse cake.

Though listed on the menu as an appetiser, the Nicoise Salad (Bt325) is a meal in itself thanks to the generous portion of tuna loin, potato, string beans, sliced egg and capsicum tossed in Italian dressing. Equally filling is the Green Pea Cappuccino Soup (Bt160) served with garlic bread. 

French favourite Croissant Croque Monsieur (Bt260), a tasty snack of Bechamel sauce, ham and rich Swiss cheese, is another must try as is the Benedictine Crepe (Bt245) stuffed with egg, smoked salmon, Virginia ham, cheese and lime Hollandaise sauce.

For dessert, order the Banana Chocolate crepe (Bt210) and relish in the sweet taste of banana in chocolate sauce with whipping cream or sin even further with a hot Raspberry Bliss Waffle (Bt220) that boasts strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.

Drop by in the afternoon and check out the Les Petits Gateaux (Bt380) set of La Baguette cake, almond croissant, Flan sponge cake and coconut raspberry cake paired with coffee or tea. 

 

 

PASTRY PERFECT

>>La Baguette is on the ground floor of Emquartier, Building B. It’s open daily from 10am to 10pm. Call (02) 003 6420 or visit www.LaBaguettePattaya.com.