Chouquette is a tiny pastry eaten on your wedding day in the north of France.
On a recent trip to St. Louis, I asked several natives their thoughts on the best bakeries in the area. But it was Chef David Kirkland’s recommendation that sealed the deal. Kirkland owns the healthy eatery Turn. After dining at Turn, and enjoying the experience, my colleague and I enthusiastically accepted his suggestion and jetted over to La Pâtisserie Chouquette Par Simone Faure.
Elegant Decor
Upon arriving at the establishment, I immediately fell in love with its elegant décor. Black and gold throughout, the shop had plush, green upholstered chairs. It also boasted a picturesque area which seemed to be custom designed for selfies and smiles. Expertly detailed sweet treats lined the walls, and accented display cases throughout the business. Likely one of the prettiest bakeries I’ve visited, Chouquette gave me the sense that I was experiencing all the accoutrements of France, while firmly rooted in St. Louis.
The love child of Chef Simone Faure, Chouquette is a French-inspired pastry shop which boasts upscale and visually appealing pastries and treats. I purchased the orange, dipped in white chocolate shortbread cookies and visually stalked the chocolate tea cookies.
An Abundance of Baked Goods
When I visited, Chouquette offered custom cakes, wedding cakes, enlarged and vibrantly-colored macarons, frangipane tart slices, Baklava cheesecake, lavender sugar cookies, bourbon pecan buns and so much more. The desserts were beautifully-decorated with the Tiramasu Brownie and the Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart standing out for their elegance.
Not sure what you want? Consider one of Chouquette’s cake tasting boxes. Thirsty? The bakery offers a host of drink options to satisfy multiple cravings. Want an elevated tea service? It provides those as well. Really love macarons? Chef Faure is known as the maven of macarons.
While the business itself offers a host of eating and drinking options, the setting alone is worth a visit. Upon entering the establishment, a part of me felt I was walking onto the set of a photoshoot in France and the other part of me felt I was in a dream. It was truly an experience; one I hope to replicate in the future.
What’s Special About This Place?
Pastry chef and owner Simone Faure is as unique as the establishment itself. Faure is a New Orleans native, and got her start working for the exclusive Ritz Carlton Hotel chain. Her website notes that she’s baked for some of the biggest names in Hollywood and pop culture including LL Cool J, Missy Elliot, Jodi Foster, Brad Pitt, Queen Latifah and more.
Her story and work has been featured on Food Network, Martha Stewart Weddings, The New York Times and The Washington Post. A legend in her own right, Faure has built something truly special.
According to its website, “La Pâtisserie Chouquette was founded in 2013.” There is so much in a name, so let’s discuss the meaning of Chouquette. Chouquette is a tiny pastry eaten on your wedding day in the north of France. It may not be your wedding day, and you may not be in France, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy delicacies.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to plan your visit. Let’s go.
Jennifer R. Farmer is a public relations executive by day and a bakery lover by evening and weekend. Learn more about the bakeries she’s visited and enjoy on our blog.
