Cream Pan (Japonaise Bakery)-Tustin road trip

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog you are reading, is an online sharing of various adventures of Kirk, Ed (from Yuma), Cathy and a few others.  We try to make each post have something to do with some sort of food in the form of a simple snack or full blown meal.  Today, Cathy is writing.

The first time I went to Cream Pan, it was the fifth stop of the day when cc and I were driving to Pasadena to Vromans Book Store.  The second time, The Mister and I were driving to Pasadena to see a 2014 Rose Parade Road Test. It's an easy exit off the 5 (take Red Hill, turn right but get to the center lane to take an immediate left onto El Camino Real) and easy to get back onto the 5 North(entrance is at the signal light at the end of the mall where Cream Pan is located). Cream Pan is a Japanese bakery.  That day of "stop at a bakery until you get to the Book Store" road trip gave me an excellent comparison of baking styles, which I had never been discernible of prior.  (85C is Taiwanese and Bon Epi is Korean).

As I understand it, the building formerly housed two bakeries, Cream Pan and Japonaise, with Cream Pan being in the back. (Ignore that website printed on the van; it does not exist).

Now, the whole building is Cream Pan, with the majority of it being the actual kitchen/baking area and maybe 25% is the walk in bakery. 

On our first trip, CC and I arrived and there was a line formed inside the store.  The refrigerated cases are the first ones you see...and those strawberry croissants are what everyone seems to want to purchase.

The eating area inside is simple and beautiful, with wood tables and chairs. There are outdoor tables and chairs along the sides of the building. 

Fresh rolls are on display near the cash register and breads are along the wall as you walk in. 

Here's a view of the eat in area at 6:15 on a Saturday morning...

The non-refrigerated pastry cases are full at 6 a.m.

Just behind the cash registers are additional freshly baked items, ready to refill the cases once the crowds descend.

When cc and I arrived that June Sunday, it was our fifth stop of the day and we each only made a single purchase.  My strawberry croissant and cc's hot dog.  Both items were for us to take home and not to eat there...Good thing we each brought thermal containers for transport!  The custard cream filling of that croissant is *really* good...the crust is buttery, flaky and overall, it is small. It's excellent.

When I brought The Mister here for the first time, we were looking to grab a quick breakfast and purchased the hot dog ($1.80)(there is catsup on the top of the croissant 'bun') a ham and cheese croissant ($2.50)-smaller than other ham and cheese croissants, but absolutely the best ratio of ham:cheese:bread and combination of flavors than all others, and a strawberry croissant ($1.40) as well as a small cup of coffee ($1.50).  There is an espresso machine here, which would make for a perfect sit down meal. There are also pre-made sandwiches and salads available.

Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 (714)665-8239 Open 6 a.m.-4 p.m. seven days

Comments

[caninecologne]

Yay, Cream Pan! I want to get those strawberry croissants next time. :) That was such a fun trip. Thank goodness for the coolers so we could stash our food/treats for the husbands + kid.

[nhbilly]

If you like cream horns. Try the japanese bakery hidden in the corner of the Mitsuwa grocery department. I think its to die for.

Paularino and Bristol.

-Bill

[Cathy]

The strawberry croissants are simply elegant, cc. I liked Cream Pan best...I think...but all the places we stopped had good points. Being prepared is always practical.

Thanks for the tip, Bill. I do like cream filled pastries...not as much sugar and very special pastry.

[Mary]

Those croissants are addictive and delicious. I can't wait to revisit for another bite!

[Cathy]

Me, either, Mary. There's a float road test next Saturday...The Trader Joe's float will be one of those tested an I am eager to see it.

[Sandy]

We had Cream Pan pastries at a family gathering over the weekend. I managed to obtain the last strawberry croissant - I think someone tried to hide it for later! It was yummy, and now I need to make a road trip to visit these three bakeries (been to 85C but not to Bon Epi or Cream Pan).

[Cathy]

If I had to choose only one, it would be Cream Pan, Sandy...plus it's open at 6 and Bon Epi doesn't open until 7. So happy you got to experience the strawberry croissant...amazing, isn't it?