finally, Bisou Bistro/Patisserie in Pleasantville

[spa]

At the moment it's selling very good croissants and a selection of pastries I haven't tried yet.

Next week it's going to start serving breakfast.

Then, soon, there'll be simple lunch food as well: soups, sandwiches, quiches, crepes, salads....

The owner/pastry chef seems like a very nice young woman with a lot of good ideas and talent.

Very promising! And it's a lot better than an empty storefront filled with bad memories, which is what it's been for two years, since it took over the former French Confessions site next to MIchaels on Bedford Road in the Old Village.

[TrishNY12]

Upon walking home last night from the train I stopped and got the latest copy of "The Examiner" and I was upset to see the front page story was about Bisou Patisserie and Cafe unfortunately closing it's doors on account of the recession. I thought this place was fantastic and it will be missed.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

I always thought that she would have done much better in the village proper rather than where she was... for that reason alone I did not go as much as I would have if it had been closer to the center of town. Too bad-- it was a very cute place!

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

This place is totally adorable, and while the chocolate croissants weren't quite as chocolatey as I like, the mini regular croissant was really good. She had a sample out of French style strawberry shortcake which was so rich and unbelievably yummy. They have Harney and Sons teas-- I had the cinnamon one... so fragrant. Chocolate chip cookie and macaron were ok, but not spectacular (I'm biased towards La Tulipe). I wonder if the macarons are from Payard? Lots of Payard boxes in the display case, but I'm not sure what exactly she's getting from there. We got all these treats for about $9.

I don't think the location is so great, and it was totally empty the whole time we were there, but hopefully business will pick up as the weather gets warmer.

[Eversweet]

They started doing their chocolate croissants with a chocolate drizzle. I just had one today. It was so yummy! Also the almond croissants are out of this world. If you can get one before they sell out!
The macarons are made there. You should try the milk chocolate one. Its packed with creamy ganache!
I think the only thing they get from Payard is the chocolate. The owner said she used to work there and she decided to buy the chocolates from him instead of making them at the shop. Everything else they make there on a daily basis. She seems pretty diligent about not carrying anything over to the next day. I guess nobody wants stale pastry!
I think since she just opened a lot of people don't know it's open. I didn't until I read about it! But there were a few people eating lunch while I was there. Hopefully with the warmer weather it'll bring in the people with outdoor seating?

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Anyone know how late they're open?... or have a phone number? Thanks!

[angelfrost]

Winter hours tues-fri 8-6 sat 9-6 sun 9-4. Summer hours 8-10 pm.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Awesome, thanks. I'm gonna stop by this weekend-- so excited! THere's a coupon in the local clipper, btw.

ETA: The ad in the clipper says that Carolyn Atamian, owner, is formerly of Fauchon, Jean Georges, and Payard.

[angelfrost]

Bisou is now serving breakfast and the cafe is open! She's serving three soups of the day daily, (my favorite is the french onion ) sandwiches and salads. Also try the bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant. It certainly hit the spot on the way to work.
I don't think the crepes have started yet but I'll keep a look out. And I heard rumors that she's going to start selling bread in the next week.

[spa]

The French onion is very nice, and I loved the very carrotty carrot (not too sweet) as well. The menu lists several salads and sandwiches. The veg pannini features well-cooked eggplant (nice and soft), red peppers, etc., and just a little cheese (not overly gloppy, as it often is). I didn't see any crepes either, but bread is indeed rumored to be in the near future!

[snowjewelz]

I'd like to try it too! I, too, had bad memories at French Confessions. I alway wondered what took them so long to close :P

[spa]

I've tried several of their pastries now--it's definitely worth a trip! The coffee's good, too. (Illy) But they haven't started serving breakfast yet--I have to ask her about that.

[MikiLovesSugar]

I actually just drove by on Thursday and was wondering how it was! I was wondering if it was a new place because i hadn't heard any Chowhounders mention it.... thanks!