Bakeries in Charlotte

[SweetMaris31]

I'm moving to Charlotte at the end of the month. As a pastry chef and self-proclaimed sugar fiend, I'd love to get soe input on bakeries in the area. What's great and what's missing?
Thanks!

[bellyspeaks]

Here comes the voice of dissent. Amelie's is weak, very weak. I have tried very hard to become a fan. What with all the accolades as evidenced here. But I can't do it. I applaud them for their efforts, and I give them props for being the only game in town, more or less. However, a quality pastry shop they are not. They have "the look", but it ends there. The aforementioned item, the macaron, is a perfect example. Go in and order one of each flavor. You will inevitably find ( as i have on more than one occasion) several grades of freshness or lack there of. Another culprit is their tart shell. Regardless of what's in it, it has been soggy and with an overwhelming "old" flavor. Now, those tarts along with everything else look great in the case, but nothing ever sings when it gets in my mouth.

In all fairness, i don't believe Charlotte can support a quality pastry shop. It's too niche, and people are too happy to buy stale macarons, rather than having none at all.

Upon reading this post I have decided that it's a bit harsh. I'm posing it anyway.

[lynnlato]

Ouch, belly. I haven't tried their macarons, however I have had their petit fours and thought they were divine. Especially the pistachio. I love their palmiers also. Baguettes are too shabby either.

[GodfatherofLunch]

Being the critical guy that I can be, sure I can find some things that are less than perfect.
The bottom line is that in Charlotte Amelie's is the best Bakery hands down. Not a question of they just squeaked by as best, they are the best by leaps and bounds. No one else can even wipe the sweat from their beret.

[kenyakaye]

You must try the salt brownies at Amelie's! Have it after a great cup of artichoke asparagus soup. Amelie's pasteries are now available in the Southpark area at a restaurant there. Check their website for more details.

[beanryboy]

I am going to echo several of these posts, but Amelie's French Bakery is amazing, and open 24 hours. Nova's in Plaza-Midwood is great, as well.

[billyjack]

I'll add another vote for Amelie's. Polka Dot Bake Shop has great cupcakes, if thats your thing. Nearby Suarez Bakery has some good sweets too. There are some good old-fashioned homemade cakes and pies at the Mecklenburg County Market on Harding.

[GodfatherofLunch]

For pastries and great french bread Amelie's in the NODA neighborhood has no peers. Charlotte could defenatly support a second great bakery. When you hit town perhaps you can check them out. If you are considering opening a place the Dilworth neighborhood could use a great bakery and with economy as it is nows a good time to negotiate a lease. Best of luck

[SweetMaris31]

Thanks so much for the suggestions of Amelie's and Nova's- can't wait to check them out. I will also look into Dilworth as a potential location and will be sure to include you all if I move forward with anything!

[mcap]

I've been enjoying Amelie's in NoDa. It is a french bakery that is open 24 hrs with pastries, tarts, cakes, and breads. They also do soups and sandwiches.

I don't remember how, but I got on their email lsit a while back. Finally made it up there and really enjoyed it.

Carolinadawg - they have coconut macaroons, but haven't had them...

http://www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com/
2424 N Davidson St

[carolinadawg]

Sounds like a good place to check out. i actually mis-spelled macaron...its a different cookie than a macaroon. A macaron is a sandwich style cookie with a ganache or cream filling...sort of a french oreo! lol

[carolinadawg]

I don't know a whole lot about this topic, but Nova's (on Central Avenue) is an excellent bakery. I think they are more oriented towards breads, as opposed to cakes. My impression is there aren't a whole lot of really good bakeries in Charlotte. Personally, i'd love to see something like Sugar Sweet Sunshine or Chikalicious here. And french macaroons!

[SweetMaris31]

Before living in Boston, I lived in NYC and Sugar Sweet Sunshine was one of my favorites, too. Who knows, maybe I'll open something in Charlotte once I get a lay of the land :)