best french bakery?

[veee]

hi- i'm looking for a place to order our croquembouche... i've tried googling and found a couple places but thought i'd ask here... thanks in advance!

[robl]

I'd refer you to Caprice for any true French pastries and other sweets. I've tried several items, though not THEIR Croquembouche. They offer higher quality items, that are worth the extra $.

Caprice
3213 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica CA
310.453.1932
http://www.capricefrenchpastries.com/

[veee]

went to Emil's today. they are indeed moving in may. but will not have an in-house kitchen in the new place.

the price is great for their cream puffs... the filling was a little too thick but good. we're torn.

[Ollie]

Try Che Nouz in NoHo/Toluca Lake on Riverside
818-760-0288
10550 Riverside Dr
North Hollywood, CA 91602

[smfoodie]

Emil's Swiss Pastry also does them.

[a_and_w]

Has Emil's moved into their new space yet? Also, I heard a rumor they'll no longer be baking in-store, but rather trucking goods in from a kitchen located elsewhere. Can anyone confirm?

[veee]

we're going to Emil's today to try their cream puffs so i'll let you know what i find out.
so far, we've been to Michel Richard and their cream puffs are wonderful and very custard-y. the ones at Aux Delice are more whipped-like... does anyone know what is more "authentic"?

[smfoodie]

Was just at Emil's yesterday. They have not moved yet - said they are planning to move in May. Saw what looked to be a full in-house bakery operation. The cake was awesome as usual!

[Emme]

pretty sure elysee in westwood has em.

agree that michel richard is a good option as well.

[veee]

great, i have an appt at Michel Richard. will check out elysee.

[Frommtron]

Michel Richard is really nice. If, for some reason, you are unhappy with them or want to check out a different bakery, try Paris Pastry on Westwood. They have nice petites four, too.

As much as it pains me to say it, Elysee is not quite up to the standard that Michel Richard is at but Emme is right -- they absolutely have them and it will probably be the most reasonable price. PLEASE request real pastry cream filling if you do try them. They use real pastry cream in the large puffs but they use artificial (don't ask 'cause I don't know) for the mini-puffs so they keep longer. The croquembouche is made with the small ones, of course.

[Emme]

wow, that's sad that they don't use real pastry cream unless requested. i've always had tasty things at elysee- palmiers, fruit tarts... never had the croquemboche though.

agree w/ the below rec for emil's too!

[Bob Brooks]

I know many years ago that Michel Richard, on Robertson, used to do them.