This is one of the most divine establishments in Portland. Saint Honore Boulangerie is truly one of my favorite places to go to in Portland. It is a gem that opened back in 2003 in Northwest Portland. It is named after Saint Honore, the patron saint of bakers and well...let's just say he's blessed Portland with some of the most delicate pastries and divine breads you will find..ever. The owner and master baker is Dominique Geulin a Portland transplant who grew up over his family’s bakery in Normandy. (Yep kids..France.)
This place is pure romance to me. The bakery is always bustling and crowded. They have very small café tables throughout the bakery and one long table where people gather to enjoy their French hot chocolate and croissants. They serve the most wonderful lunches that range from very rich quiches, the classic Croque Monsieur, and the best little dressed salads on the side. I have never been disappointed with the lunches and find myself constantly debating between the Brie Bartlett, which is a grilled Panini, layered with Proscuitto, Brie, caramelized Barlett pears and onions, drizzled with olive oil and Balsamic and topped off with Arugla. (Umm…yeah…my mouth is watering too!!) or the Brie Sandwich on a chewy baguette buttered with chives and parsley, filled with brie, cucumber slices and toasted almonds.
Of course the best part of this perfect bakery is the pastry. My absolute favorites are the wonderful little bag of Chouquettes. For $3.75 you get a dozen little puff pastry balls sprinkled with rock sugar. Then of course there is the Canelet. It is a rum and vanilla custard baked in a beeswax mold. Because of that beeswax mold it makes a little cake that is crispy because of the thin layer of sweet beeswax, the inside is solid and creamy.
Go and get your French on! Bring a book, sit and stay awhile. Indulge! You will not be disappointed!
2335 NW Thurman Street
