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In the past you’ve heard me complain about how all the fabulous foodie spots are miles away from my house and my office. I’m not sure why, but for some reason the gods of food have decided to smite me by making sure that almost everything I love is out of ‘lunch-break’ driving distance and so, instead of lunch times filled with delicious artisanal sandwiches, Italian delights and gourmet burgers I’m forced to endure home-made sarmies and salads. But today the joke is on them because I’ve finally found an amazing eatery just 5 minutes from Joburg’s Darling headquarters in Randburg (happy dance). It’s called Patisserie de Paris and it’s absolutely glorious!
I’m pretty sure the owner of this oh-so-cute spot had me in mind when he created it. He must’ve known that I, Joburg’s Darling, was waiting for something just like Patisserie de Paris to come into my life because it’s filled with all the things I love most – fabulous food, super cute decor and delicious baked treats. There’s just no other explanation for it. To put it quite simply, the fabulous little French patisserie is pretty much the best thing to happen to the people living in Mackay Avenue (ever), and I hope they realise it.
When you walk into Pattiserie de Paris you are immediately accosted (in a good way) by the super cute decor and pink - lots and lots of pink. Look around and you’ll see pale pink walls emblazoned with French sayings, a wall of artisanal breads, little white antique-looking tables and chairs and masses of delectable sweet treats. There are just two tables inside the patisserie but outside you will find plenty of tables and umbrellas to lounge under on hot summer days.
But, the quaint little spot isn’t just a pretty face; it also offers simply divine food. The menu, while small, is filled with a lovely selection of filled baguettes, croissants and sandwiches to suit any taste. They also offer a range of freshly baked Parisian baguettes, sourdough bread, 40 percent rye bread, 100 percent rye bread and ciabatta (these are both for sale and available as options for sarmies on the menu) – all baked fresh in-house using traditional artisanal techniques.
I popped in for lunch one Friday afternoon and tucked into a Roast Chicken sarmie with cranberry jelly, caramelised onions, garden greens, tomato and gherkins (R35 for a half portion) on sourdough bread. The sandwich was simply yummy and I absolutely loved the bread it came on. If chicken isn’t your thing then try their Gypsy Ham sarmie which is filled with caramelised onions, Dijon mustard, garden greens, tomato and gherkins (R35 for a half portion). I was also super impressed with the size of my sandwich and the fact that I got all that for just R35!
Because going to a patisserie without ordering something sweet is a sin I also made sure I kept some space for a dessert takeaway. In the middle of the room you will find heaven (I mean the sweets table) which is filled to the brim with baked goodies. If none of those catch your fancy then you can also visit the counter for even more yummy baked tarts and cakes. I had them put a giant meringue (R15) and a chocolate cookie (made with Belgian chocolate) in a box for me and shared both with the boyfriend later that day. All I can say is - it was pretty much love at first bite and I kicked myself for deciding to share!
By Crystal Espin
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