Eclairs that will make you say ‘Oui’ Market Hall, Oakland
When it comes to pastries, the French set the standard. Just take the eclair. The word means lightning and is so named because it is eaten in a flash. How could you not? These fluffy, oblong pastries are made with the most perfect not-too-sweet choux dough, filled with cream, then drizzled with chocolate and a swizzle of icing.
In the Bay Area, you’ll find glossy classics and fanciful raspberry versions studded with gold — and even a savory variety filled with duck liver. Feel like channeling your inner Francophile? Here are five of the best local spots for eclairs.
A bestseller at Market Hall Bakery in Oakland and Market Hall Foods in Berkeley, the signature eclair is a classic, enrobed in chocolate and drizzled with icing. It’s just one part of this month’s fabulous French food lineup at the hall, which also includes specials on Provencal rosé at Paul Marcus Wines and moules frites at Hapuku’s oyster bar.
DETAILS >> Open from 9 a.m. daily at 5655 College Ave., Oakland; www.markethallfoods.com
One65 Patisserie & Boutique, San Francisco
This Parisian patisserie is located on the ground floor of Michelin-starred chef Claude Le Tohic’s multilevel French dining complex in Union Square. Open since May, it offers glorious edible works of art, including gem-like raspberry eclairs, tarts, cakes and other pastries that pop like jewels in the pastry case. Grab a juice or sandwich to go. Stay for those eclairs and coffee.
DETAILS >> Open from 7:30 a.m. daily at 165 O’farrell St., San Francisco; one65sf.com
Mademoiselle Colette, Menlo Park and Palo Alto
Francophiles on the Peninsula get their fix at this elegant French cafe, which features white roses on every table and the scent of fresh-baked bread. Owner and founder Debora Ferrand, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, also attended the national school of pastry in France. Together with pastry chef Orphée Fouano, they craft stunning desserts including raspberry tarts, sea salt caramel brioche, mille feuille, kouign-amann and, yes, chocolate eclairs for days. You’ll find raspberry, vanilla and caramel on the catering menu.
DETAILS >> Open daily at 816 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, and 499 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto. Coming soon to Redwood City. www.mademoisellecolette.com
Brix Napa Valley, Yountville
Two words: Savory eclairs. This spring, Brix, the farm-to-table institution, went through a major renovation that included updating its menu and setting a few food trends. It’s now offering a trio of savory eclairs — caprese, duck liver, and green eggs and ham — along with large format punch service in the garden, which offers stunning views of the Mayacamas Mountains.
DETAILS >> Open from 11:30 a.m. Mondaysaturday and 10 a.m. Sundays for brunch at 7377 St. Helena Highway, Yountville; www.brix.com.
Bijan Bakery & Cafe, San Jose
This longtime European-style bakery and cafe at the base of the Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose offers classic French pastries, from cream puffs and Napoleons to eclairs stuffed with cream and covered with chocolate and icing. Order to go or sit outside with a mocha and relish a taste of France.
DETAILS >> Open daily at 170 S. Market St., Suite 110, San Jose; bijanbakery.com