Interview by Amy Stein
La French Taste is a French inspired bakery and café filled with savory and sweet baked goods made fresh by owners Julien and Anthony, both in their 30s. The bakery is quaint, with splashes of blue, white, and red along the walls to show their French heritage. The space isn’t too big, but they are able to fit four tables, along with a little seating nook, and a bar against the window overlooking the community. I liked the little nook best.
I was able to talk with Anthony when I visited the bakery, and could not help but smile at his French accent. He shared his and Julien’s story of how they came to own the bakery. I was amazed to find out that La French Taste was not planned when the married couple emigrated from France to Canada in 2018. Julien was a landscaper who had never taken any formal culinary classes, and while Anthony had gotten his degree in pastry and chocolate making, he had never wanted to be stuck in a kitchen. Anthony wanted to interact more with people, so he moved into the hotel business.
The married couple started baking at home for their neighbours. Anthony and Julien were grateful that they enjoyed the baked goods, but did not expect their neighbours’ to tell them to open a bakery. Spurred on by their neighbours’ praise, La French Taste was created.
Julien and Anthony wanted the name, La French Taste, to bring together both France and Canada. “The ‘La’ is French, and the ‘French’ is both, and then the ‘Taste’ is English. It is an homage to their past and their future.
In 2021, the partners in life, and now business partners, debuted La French Taste at the Bountiful Farmers Market in South Edmonton. Anthony, with his background in pastry, spearheaded the sweet side of the menu, and Julien concocted the savory side. Every weekend the couple would set up their booth for the Market and watch as customers started trickling in, and then become regulars. This was something Anthony enjoyed. He liked being able to interact with his customers.
As their customer base grew, so did their need for an industrial kitchen. The couple were hoping for a space closer to the market, but could not pass up the cozy location in North Edmonton. But the location hasn’t always been cozy. Only within the last decade has this neighbourhood been looked upon with respect. An ill-reputed pub was located next door, and cast a shadow over the neighbourhood. When in 2016, Otto Food & Drink replaced the pub, and paired with the beloved La Favorite pastry shop, the community regained some credit. La Favorite was most notably known for making Wayne Gretzky’s wedding cake. The pastry shop closed during COVID, and the neighbourhood was sad to see it go, but happy when a new bakery decided to open.
Owning the new bakery came with its challenges, but with the help of both sets of parents, Anthony and Julien were able to have a soft opening on September 27, 2023. The Grand Opening took place on November 10, 2023 and the bakery was well received. Anthony and Julien were very busy at the grand opening because the community members showed their support for them. Anthony told me that it was not just the grand opening when the community turned up for the couple, but everyday. They are grateful to be a part of this community. And that doesn’t mean they have forgotten about the market. La French taste is still up and running in a booth at the Bountiful Farmers Market each weekend.
As my conversation came to a close with Anthony, I had a chance to look at all the baked goods. I chose the apple tart ($6.00), the plain croissant ($3.25), and the pain au chocolat ($4.00). The apple tart was not too cinnamon heavy to the point where it was all I could taste, which was good. The croissant was buttery and flakey and delicious. And the pain au chocolat was everything the croissant was, plus chocolate, which I’d say is worth the extra 75 cents. I asked the cashier if there were any gluten free options, and he said no because with how the kitchen is set up, they cannot guarantee no gluten will get into the baked goods. The cashier was very helpful to write down a couple of bakeries that did offer gluten free options.
I really enjoyed my time at the bakery, and meeting Anthony and Julien. I will definitely be back again for another pain au chocolat.
La French Taste
11401-95 ST, Edmonton, AB
website
Instagram: @lafrenchtaste
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 8am to 6pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Bountiful Farmers Market
3696 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB
website
Hours: Friday 10am to 4pm
Saturday 9am to 4pm
Sunday 10am to 4pm
Closed Monday – Thursday
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