We only have to travel 6 miles down American Canyon Road to a nondescript strip mall on Highway 29 to partake of pastries as fine as anything in France or Yountville. I’ve heard stories of how the owner of a coffee shop in Hiddenbrooke Plaza (where Michael Warring’s restaurant sits now) used to travel to Bouchon Bakery in faraway Yountville to supply our neighborhood with the finest pastries. That was then. In 2016, Jay Magsano opened Le Paris Artisan Gourmet Cafe at 3921 Broadway Street in American Canyon, and last year he expanded into the nextdoor location for morel seating. The Cafe now has a second location in downtown Napa.
Jay was born in Manila, and his French-inspired pastries sometimes incorporate Filipino flavors. His motto is “passion in the form of pastry” and a specialty of his house is a croissant and cream puff invention called “CroPuffs.” My usual go-to is their basic croissant which they do so well while those made by others often disappoint me. Or maybe the eggy quiche with a fresh green salad that’s lightly dressed just the way they do it in France. Tracy Pullar who lives on Staghorn confesses that she is addicted to their flourless chocolate cookies. Most recently, Tiger and I ventured out of our comfort zone to sample their pork adobo and turkey club sandwiches with double cappuccinos. My oh my. And then there are those amazing photos of custom-ordered cakes that tempt me in social media posts.
But don’t take my word for it. Join your Hiddenbrooke neighbors there for a Hiddenbrooke Neighbor Meet-up on Thursday, June 8 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. You may order anything from the menu at www.lepariscafe.com/menu, eat it indoors there or get your order to-go, and since it will be after their breakfast and lunch rush, Jay may be able to join us to share more about his pastry passion.
Learn more about Le Paris Artisan Cafe at www.lepariscafe.com/ and follow them on social media to keep up with menu specials and those beautiful cakes.
UPDATE on June 8, 2023: Thanks to all who joined us for lunch at Le Paris Artisan Gourmet Café today, and to owner Jay Magsano for the candid conversation and free fruit tarts! He shared that he wants to own everyday kinds of cafes rather than special occasion restaurants. Jay told us stories about owning restaurants in 3 countries and confided his plans for a 3rd location near us. No, the new location isn’t in Hiddenbrooke Plaza, but we all urged him to consider moving in with us! Until then, you gotta go see him in his American Canyon or downtown Napa spots.
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