French Oven and Bakery
by Wendy VanHatten
Some secrets are worth sharing. When I discovered this little slice of France right here in our own backyard…I knew I had to share.
The owner and chef, Yves Fournier, and his wife, Susie, grew up in a small village at the base of the French Alps. His love of baking is evident as you eat his pastries and listen to him talk about what he’s making. He told me he learned the ins and outs of pastry making from his father, who learned it from his father and grandfather. No wonder everything tastes so authentic.
A little background…Chef Yves came to San Diego as a pastry chef for the Le Meridien Hotel in 1992, worked for several 5-star hotels, and was the Executive Baking and Pastry Chef instructor for the San Diego Culinary Institute.
When he started a small pop-up out of his home, neighbors and friends encouraged him to open a bakery.
I, for one, am glad he did.
Everything looks so good. Better than than…it all tastes better than it looks.
One bite of an almond croissant, with just the right among of toasted almond slices and powdered sugar, beg to be devoured. In fact, they take you right to France. Nothing else tastes the way they do.
Beignets practically melt in your mouth. If you can eat just one, I am surprised. Savory quiches are light yet filling. The lemon tarts combine that perfect mix of pucker with sweet. They look so perfect, it’s almost a shame to bite into one. Almost…
If you’re in the San Diego area, this secret spot needs to be checked out. You’ll thank me.
If You Go: French Oven is located at 10299 Scripps Ranch Trail, Suite E, San Diego.
