NORTH PARK — Maison de Castelnau, the highly anticipated Parisian-style tearoom and patisserie, was originally aiming for a spring opening but has found a silver lining in making its delayed debut this month.
It's hot chocolate weather.
Or should we say chocolat chaud weather, a richer version of the cozy drink that features high-quality chocolate instead of cocoa.
Stop by Maison de Castelnau, 3352 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., and order a cup to go or slowly savor the beverage in the shop's salon de thé, modeled after classic Parisian tearooms.
Since opening last week, owner Miriam de Castelnau has been baking non-stop to keep pace with customers, who have been snapping up baguettes, croissants and chocolates as fast as she can refill her cases.
The enterprise is actually two businesses in one: part patisserie/chocolaterie selling sweets and coffee to go, one part seated tearoom, where patrons can relax. Reservations are suggested for the tearoom (click here), which will gradually add savory items such as quiches.
Maison de Castelnau is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.
Snack like the French at Maison de Castelnau. So civilized. [Facebook]
The salon de thé, modeled after classic Parisian tearooms. [DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
The front of the shop is a patisserie/chocolaterie selling sweets and coffee to go. [DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
Le patisserie menu. [DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
How do the French improve upon chocolate cake? Add rum. [DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
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