Oeuf Macaron Gosh - Euro Pane Bakery & Cafe

For Here and To Go

My cousin recommended Euro Pane Bakery and Cafe when I unexpectedly found myself in Pasadena.  Of course, I had to check out the reviews.  All of my regular food-centric sites had great things to say about this place, so I had to give it a try.  I also found out that Sumi Chang, the owner, worked as the breakfast chef at Campanile, a ringing endorsement. 



Open Faced Egg Salad Sandwich

My cousin told me that the open faced egg salad sandwich was to die for.  My friend and I ordered it on our second visit.  It just so happened that Chef Chang was working the counter.  She asked what bread we'd like and of course, I inquired which she'd recommend.  She told me that it's frequently served on their rosemary currant bread, but everything is good.  I decide on sourdough because I feel that it will help cut the richness of the sandwich. 

Macarons Safely Stowed Away

I add a cafe au lait to my order as well as half a dozen macarons (one of each flavor) to go.  As we wait for our order, I see Ms. Chang zip around making coffee, directing her employees and attending to customers.  Doing it all without missing a beat.  I see her at the espresso machine and take the opportunity to chat.  I complimented her on the pear tart I had on the first visit and expressed interest in blogging about Euro Pane.  She told me that she'd come by our table.

We were served our amazing open faced sandwiches. They're so legendary that if you search "Euro Pane open faced sandwich" you'll see an endless sea of links.  Here's what Jonathan Gold & Michelle Huneven of LA Weekly had to say, "And the egg-salad sandwich — soft-center boiled eggs in homemade mayo on sourdough toast smeared with sun dried tomato paste — is worth a drive from any corner of the county."  Don't forget the counterpoint of crisp mixed greens and chive garnish.

I struck up a conversation with Chef Chang and told her that we were from Boston and here to try her pastries.  She said, "I am honored."  We were the ones who were honored by her wonderful creations. 

Pear Raspberry Tart

As we enjoyed our mountains of eggy goodness, she slid a piece of pear tart with a raspberry filling onto our table.  She said, "Try this."  We were too full to partake at that moment, but enjoyed it thoroughly later in the day. 

What I found to be fun about significant breakfast and lunch offerings was the matching side treat.  The pineapple wedges as a refreshing pallet cleanser after the egg salad. 

  

Spinach Frittata

 


A raisin roll to complement the richness of the frittata. 
(My friend's order and I did not have the pleasure of trying it.)








Salami & Cheese Baguette w/ Olive
& Roasted Pepper Tapenade & Tomato Pesto


  



A cookie to counter the saltiness of the salami tapenade baguette.

The balance of flavors and textures in all that I tried was what really caught my attention.  Great execution on everything I tasted.  French Cafe/Patisserie treats driven by fresh ingredient combinations that were a party in my mouth.  My friend, who was recently in Paris, said that the macarons were better at Euro Pane.

I was not able to head back for a fourth visit, because we had an early flight out.  I saved half a caramel salted macaron and slice of tart in the refrigerator for breakfast.  A match made in Pasadena for a bittersweet ending.

If you're ever in the area, stop in for great eats and send my regards to Chef Chang for me.

Euro Pane Bakery & Cafe

950 E. Colorado Blvd. (Original)  345 E. Colorado Blvd. (New and Improved)

Pasadena, CA 91106

In closing, I apologize for the lackluster camera phone shots.  Do yourself a favor and search for Euro Pane images and you'll see some seriously beautiful food. 

Help me plan our next adventure.