Pascal & Cathy Bakery brings quintessential French pâtisserie favorites to Pompano Beach

By Malcolm McClintock | New Pelican Writer

Ironically located directly across the street from an LA Fitness, the Pascal & Cathy Bakery is a mecca of butter-laden croissants, pastries, cakes, tarts, viennoiseries, and plenty of other sweet delights.

Parisian master baker and chocolatier Pascal Fontana, along with his wife Cathy, have been quietly garnering praise from locals and visitors alike since opening their inviting French bakery some nine months ago.

“We had been coming to Florida on vacation for many years because we love it here,” says Cathy. “Eventually, we decided to sell our bakery in Paris and set up shop in this beautiful area.”

Upon entering, patrons will encounter a host of display cases overflowing with an array of mini-cakes, lemon and raspberry tartelettes, napoleons, mousses, meringue, custard stuffed donuts, almond tuiles, macaroons, apple turnovers, cookies and all manner of additional creative confections.

“Absolutely everything is made fresh in house including our amazing selection of fine chocolates,” says Pascal who has been honing his baking skills for over 30 years. “We get up at 3 a.m. every morning to prepare for the day.”

But the friendly bakery is also a great destination for savory breakfast and lunch options.

Guests can indulge in satisfying three-egg omelets loaded with a choice of ham, bacon, chicken, mushroom, tomato, onion, cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese to name a few.

Served with baguette or croissant, this morning classic is a great way to start the day, especially when accompanied by freshly brewed coffees such as espresso, cappuccino, latte, americano or macchiato.

At lunchtime, the menu offers a multitude of French favorites such as the bechamel, bacon and cheddar croque-madame topped with fried egg, several varieties of homemade quiches, fresh salads, and a plethora of sandwiches.

“Most of the primary ingredients we use at the bakery are imported directly from France,” says Cathy. “For this reason, everything tastes absolutely authentic like in Europe.”

Again, with either baguette or croissant, popular sandwich options include the Dieppois with tuna mayo and hard-boiled egg, the Ocean with avocado, salmon and shrimp, the Butter & Brie, the fully-loaded Veggie and the Parisian with French ham and Swiss cheese.

“We also offer catering throughout South Florida,” says Cathy. “From corporate events to family gatherings to private parties of all sizes – we take care of everything so our customers don’t have to.”

Omelets, quiches, sandwiches, and salads start at $9, breads and pastries at $3. Breakfast is served until 1:30 p.m. Gorgeous gift bags, chocolate boxes, homemade jams and specialty items are also available for purchase. There is indoor/outdoor seating and ample free parking both in front and at the rear entrance in the Aldi lot.

“Our guests tell us that our food is even better than what they have had in Paris,” says Pascal. “We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the community.”

Bon appétit!

Pascal & Cathy Bakery is located at 998 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach. Visit bakerypascal.com or call 954-756-1496 for more information.