Champagne French Bakery Cafe

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing while Kirk is traveling.

 We started driving, took an exit, kept driving, saw cars in a parking lot and stopped.  This is how The Mister and I find restaurants in unfamiliar areas in the early morning.  I remembered seeing a Champagne Bakery in Del Mar when working for the Registrar of Voters, years ago, but never went there.  That location has closed.  
 Walking inside, there are three cases of freshly baked goods, with a kitchen menu along the back wall. 
 When I saw a Jesuite in the display case, I knew I had to order it.  I did not notice the giant poster on the wall until downloading this photo.  
 A Jesuite ($5.29) is a triangular, flaky pastry filled with frangipane (a soft, spreadable custard cream) and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.  The pastry originated in France and the name refers to the triangular shape of a Jesuit's hat.  I knew of it but had never seen this particular pastry in San Diego.
 The pieces of flaky/crisp crust and creamy filling are delicious.  The coffee is Lavazza ($2.69).

But, we were here for breakfast.
 The Mister chose the Breakfast Crépe plate with bacon and potatoes ($11.29).  Two fresh made, thin crépes filled with soft scrambled eggs and Swiss cheese.  The herbed, crisp roasted potatoes and smoky, quality bacon rounded out this meal. 
 I decided on the Le Metro Sandwich ($7.75).  Wow.  A folded omelet, tomato, avocado and herbed cream cheese served on a fresh baked, toasted whole wheat, seeded ciabatta.  Flavors, textures, quality.

I hope we find ourselves back in the area so we can try more of the menu.  

Champagne French Bakery Cafe website 

Two locations: 162 S. Santa Fe Road, Encinitas (760) 944-9446 Open daily 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

11925 Carmel Mountain Road Suite 801 San Diego 92128 (858) 613-7767 Open daily 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Comments

[Sandy]

I didn't know Champagne Bakery had a location in Encinitas. I've been to the Carmel Mountain and the old Del Mar Highlands locations many times.

[Cathy]

When stopped at the corner, we only saw the Broken Yolk restaurant, then saw Harvest Ranch Market when turning into the parking lot, Sandy. We were thinking Harvest Ranch for a sandwich (because it might be different than the El Cajon location) and noticed people walking back to the parking lot from next to the building, peered over and saw the outdoor tables. So happy we stopped here.

[kat]

the sandwich looked hefty but delicious!

[Soo]

Lots of tempting treats in the pastry case.

[Cathy]

The ciabatta 'top' was very light, while the bottom had a sturdy bottom crust, Kat. It was sliced in a proper way to be chewed (you could crush down that top to take a bite) and was very fresh. A very tasty breakfast sandwich.
Everything in the pastry case was a consideration, Soo, but the Jesuite simply had to be the order. It is much more difficult to make something 'simple' and plain; I do appreciate the work that went into that pastry.

[caninecologne]

Anytime I see a Jesuite in a bakery, I try it. Not too many bakeries make that down here.

[Cathy]

It was a surprise to see it in the pastry case, cc. It was the first thing I ordered (before the meal). So fresh and quite perfect.