By Jacob Kamaras
LA JOLLA, California — “Why don’t we have kosher restaurants?!?!?”
That’s the desperate plea — often reaching a primal scream — issued by San Diegans who strictly observe kosher dietary laws.
For those consumers, the recent opening of Parisien Gourmandises at 7643 Girard Avenue in La Jolla is certainly a reason to celebrate. Under the Supervision of the KSA (Kosher Supervision of America), the new establishment offers an authentic journey into the intriguing world of French baked goods.
The almond-filled chocolate croissant and custard-filled pistachio croissant, in particular, had flavors which were distinct from other croissants I’d previously tasted. My family also sampled the lemon meringue tart, le royal chocolate cake, baguette, and more — and we were pleased with each item’s freshness, not to mention the staff’s seemingly endless patience in navigating us through our decision on what to order. (Because we all know that feeling of witnessing a full array of decadent baked goods and declaring, “I want it all!”)
Located in the back of a décor store, the bakery featured an upscale ambiance which elevated the experience. Just make sure not to miss it, as a sign on Girard Avenue will direct you inside the store and to the bakery. The owner assures me that more visible signage and outdoor tables are on the way, in addition to savory menu items that will complement the current sweets and coffee.
In all honesty, when I initially got word of the bakery’s opening, I wasn’t exactly jumping out of my seat like I would for a kosher restaurant that features a meat menu. These are the types of items that, as a so-called “flexi-kosher” consumer, I’d be willing to eat without kosher certification. Yet Parisien Gourmandises exceeded my expectations, providing a unique and even exotic experience that entailed so much more than a croissant.
For more information on the new bakery, visit Parisien Gourmandises on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ParisienGourmandises/) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/parisiengourmandises/?hl=en).
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Jacob Kamaras is Managing Editor of the San Diego Jewish World.
Great article! Annie is amazing love the baked goods!! Behatzlacha!! @ParisienGourmandises
My husband Chef Boaz Zuzan had an amazing meat kosher restaurant “Place Cafe” inside the JCC La Jolla for 10 years. Now it’s a Plant based Chef burgers restaurant https://botanicburgers.com/ a must try!!
@BotanicBurgers
If the community will support the kosher business that do open in town we will stay in business.
Hi Keren — I’ll be sure to try out Botanic Burgers and write an article about it as well!
Parisien Gourmandises is amazing. Annie creates authentic pastries, cakes and bread. Whether you walk in or call for a catered event, she always delivers. It’s our very own taste of Paris in San Diego. Kosher is the bonus we all needed.
We came here from Los Angeles and it was fantastic, kol hakavod