A Unique French Bakery and Cafe in LA
The store, opened by French partners in Los Angeles represents their passion for authentic, high-quality food, aiming to bring European flavors to a US audience. Working closely with a renowned baker from the South of France, the team leverages his extensive knowledge to craft traditional French bread and pastries, as well as Californian dishes revisited with a French twist. That's not all: the journey of the senses begins in their decor inspired by the French Riviera, where floral ceilings meet shades of blue, marble and noble wood.
Emphasis on Craftsmanship and Culinary Excellence
The bakery's French roots are evident in the attention to detail and high standards maintained across the entire menu. Their baking consultant has a rich background, having collaborated with renowned chefs worldwide, and his expertise infuses every aspect of the store's offerings, ensuring that each bread, pastry, and dish embodies quality and craftsmanship. This commitment extends beyond traditional baked goods to a focus on producing everything in-house, from sauces to creations like homemade jam, underscoring their dedication to authenticity.
Specialty Coffee Culture with a Personal Touch
The partners’ dedication to coffee is rooted in their connections with the third-wave coffee movement, focusing on high-quality beans and innovative brewing techniques. One of the founders took on the coffee side of the business, drawing from his experience at a specialty coffee shop in LA’s Art District. Here, they prioritize beans from a single-origin farms around the world, aiming to offer a diverse, sustainable coffee experience. Their approach combines expertise and passion, catering to coffee enthusiasts who seek premium flavors in a warm, personalized setting.
Matcha: Tradition Meets Innovation
Beyond coffee, the shop also focuses on matcha, chosen for its balance of tradition and trend. The founder’s personal love for matcha, combined with the drink's growing global popularity, led them to partner with Matcha Direct, a brand from Uji, Kyoto. This partnership allows them to offer high-quality, single-origin matcha that boasts a complex, umami-rich profile. They carefully select different grades of matcha based on the drink type, choosing a lower-intensity matcha for lattes and a refined, single-origin variety for traditional matcha tea, balancing authenticity with approachability.
They are also exploring Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea) and plan to visit Japan to learn authentic matcha preparation, enhancing their offerings with deeper cultural insight.
Exclusive Sourcing and Quality Ingredients
The team carefully selects suppliers that align with their commitment to authenticity and quality. Their coffee beans come directly from single-origin, family-owned farms across the globe, including Uganda, Peru, Colombia, and Papua New Guinea, while the matcha is sourced from Uji, Kyoto. Each product is chosen for its unique flavor profile and direct connection to the land and its people. This exclusive sourcing helps them deliver a product that stands out in the competitive LA food scene, fostering a deeper connection between their customers and the origin of their ingredients. The store’s dedication to artisanal products means their offerings prioritize craftsmanship over mass production.
Future Visions for Authentic, Quality-Driven Experiences
“I love everything about Matcha Direct, the story behind the brand and the quality of the product is amazing. You can tell how good the quality is and the freshness right away even if you are not a matcha expert.”
Looking ahead, the founders aim to broaden their menu with innovative matcha-based items like pastries and seasonal drinks while maintaining their focus on high-quality ingredients. They are exploring further integration of traditional flavors for their diner and wine program launching early 2025.