The Croissant Files - Patisserie Melanie

Man, has it been over 2 1/2 years since I've done a "Croissant Files" post for a place in San Diego? Yeesh. I will say however, that I thought the Croissant from Izola was pretty good. Sadly, Izola is currently closed, though it's good news that they are updating their bakery! 

Anyway, waaaay back in late July/early August of last year "FOY" Kenneth was nice enough to send me an email (thanks as always Kenneth!) mentioning that folks had recommended Patisserie Melanie to him. Now, why did that name sound familiar? Well, I checked and apparently, this is the same Melanie that was operating out of what seemed like a home kitchen on Park Boulevard way back in 2020. In fact, you'll find mention of the place in the comments of this post if you're interested. My good "FOY" and fellow blogger "CC" (I know you're almost exclusively on Instagram these days CC - but we miss your posts!) mentioned that she wasn't impressed and I then went and tried the croissant and wasn't very impressed. But that was before the upgrade in location and what I assume is equipment as well. And since I've been missing croissants (yes, I have a category for them). Especially from my favorite boulangerie in Paris, I thought it would be a good time to check out Melanie.

The pink highlighted shop is located right on the corner 30th and Gunn, on the same block as Swami's and Mabel's Gone Fishing. I was really lucky on this morning, finding parking right on 30th across from the shop.

The shop is bright, with a view of the baking area. There are various coffee concoctions and Viennoiseries available in the morning (this was 8am) and I believe hot sandwiches/tartines/quiches during the day and even a dinner menu as well.

I was just looking for a croissant aux buerre and didn't notice one in the pastry case.....

Until I looked carefully and noticed it was keeping a "low profile" behind the paparika and cheddar croissants. The young lady working behind the counter was smiling, friendly, and very fast when I ordered my croissant. I was out of the shop in less than 5 minutes!

I recall the croissants from the "original location" of Melanie were pretty small and these did fill the bill.

For perspective, the Croissant Aux Buerre was $5.50. Can you imagine paying over 5 Euros for a croissant in Paris? For a scale comparison, it seems my reading glasses are about the same length as the croissant.

  So, how was this? It was more flaky then what I'd had before, though the texture is on the chewy side. Decent salt and mild sweetness, though it seemed to lack a nice yeasty nose and could have used more butter....at least for me. This was decent in terms of San Diego croissants; though I wish Izola was open for a comparison....maybe I need to head back to Wayfarer? And I've been promising to return to Asa Bakery and (hopefully)trying their croissant. Thanks again for the email Kenneth. I'm wondering if you had a chance to check out Patisserie Melanie?

Plus, if any of you have a recommendation for a good croissant aux buerre in San Diego, I'd love to hear it!

And you can check out Soo's post on Patisserie Melanie here.

Patisserie Melanie
3750 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92104
Current Hours:
Tuesday         8am - 2pm
Wed - Thurs 8am - 2pm, 5pm -9pm
Fri - Sat         8am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sundays        8am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Closed Mondays

Comments

[Loren]

Best places for me with Croissants are

Parisien Gourmandises (Del Mar ideally but La Jolla is great too)

Il Giardino Di Lilli (Downtown La Jolla) - less so than Parisien but at the same time they make great coffee & other goodies

[Kathy Haynes]

Have you tried La Clochette in Pacific Beach on Cass Street? Curious what you think.

[Jase]

Relic Bageri on Commerce Ave. off Miramar Rd is pretty good but have to get there early before they sell out for the day.

[Kirk]

I do have Parisien Gourmandises on my list Loren. Thanks for the recommendations.

I did drop by La Clochette du Coin a while back, but the line as so long that I chickened out Kathy! I need to return. Thanks so much for the reminder!

Thanks for the recommendation Jase! I appreciate it!

[Soo]

The Kouginette is really good. https://www.hungryones.com/2023/08/patisserie-melanie-2/

[John Dowd]

I went to Desserts By Clement today for the 1st time. Interestingly, the place was packed and I was literally the only male in there. Not sure what that means other than women like it? I ordered a croissant when the woman behind the register said "be careful, they are hot" I ordered another. It was about 12:30 PM and I consider that very fortunate. Heidi and I ate them as soon as I got home. They were large, buttery, flakey and warm. Heidi's single croissant ($5) filled her up for lunch. Also got an Chocolate Éclair ($10), a Pistachio Roll($9) and a Sweet Lady ($10). The Sweet Lady and Éclair are gorgeous works of art but we're having them for dessert tonight. I'm confident they will awesome. The Pistachio Roll was filled with a nutty, sublimely sweet pistachio custard that is going to be addicting. I think they can and will raise their prices, it so high quality for the price.

[Stephanie]

Try Desserts by Clement on Garnet next to Donut Bar. I first heard about it on Eater and have only tried their savory croissant dishes so far. Definitely worth a try.

[kat]

this looked nice!

[Peter]

I recently saw a TV show that featured the making of croissants at some bakery in Paris -- it takes a remarkable amount of work (and BUTTER!) to make a great croissant. Sadly, I think most places stateside take the path of least resistance, putting out a vastly inferior product. (I'm talking to you, Costco!)

[Kirk]

Thanks Soo! Added a link to your post.

I have Desserts by Clement on my list John. Just waiting for the hype to die down a bit. Afraid to say, we're not big fans of the round and square "rolls/croissants". We even went to one of the "OG" places for that type of pastry, Le Deli Robuchon in London and didn't like it. The Missus recently sent me to Paris en Rose. I didn't care for the croissant and the Missus didn't care for the other "stuffs".

Thanks so much for the recommendation Stephanie!

It's a cute looking place Kat!

It's truly an art form Peter!

[Kenneth]

Thanks for the review! I keep meaning to drive over there but I'm seldom in North Park anymore. That looks pretty convincing, aside from the small size. Time to hitch up the ponies to the wagon and hit the trail.....

[Kirk]

Thanks for the email Kenneth! Hope you enjoy! And "happy trails to you..." ;o)

[Soo]

Thanks for the link!

[Kirk]

My pleasure Soo!