Hankering for a fresh, Parisian-style baguette, one with a crispy, caramelized crust and a melt-in-your mouth interior? How about the perfect croissant with a buttery aroma and a flakey bite?
You’re in luck — the Little French Bakery has arrived! Recently opened next to Coffee Cartel, in the spot that once housed a French dessert shop, the Little French Bakery is both a patisserie and a boulangerie. The shop sells such well-loved French classics such as baguettes, croissants, puff pastries, cakes, tartes, and quiche, as well as sandwiches, crepes and gelato.
Owned by husband and wife team Guillaume and Deborah Sabbadin, the family-run business is truly a labor of love. French-born Guillaume earned a degree in Culinary Arts under the tutelage of Europe’s top chefs. He worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in France before moving to California, where he was a chef at such acclaimed establishments as Crustacean in Beverly Hills, Maggie’s in Santa Barbara, and Figaro Café in Los Angeles.
Prior to opening the Little French Bakery, Guillaume and Deborah ran a successful catering company, La Cuillere Gourmet, until the pandemic forced the shutdown of parties and events and hence, their business. Switching gears, Guillaume focused on opening a shop where he could continue to practice his craft and bring culinary delights to eager mouths, and voila, the Little French Bakery was born.
A typical day for Guillaume starts at 1 am when he leaves their home in Pasadena, where their three children go to school, for the long commute to Redondo Beach. While most of us are fast asleep, Guillaume spends the early morning hours kneading baguette dough, rolling croissants, and loading ovens with these and other French delicacies.
Deborah joins him a few hours later to stock the shelves and prepare for the day. By 7 am, when the bakery opens, there’s typically a line of customers eagerly anticipating their first bite of a still-warm almond croissant, savory crepe, or crunchy baguette. Guillaume’s pastries and breads typically sell out well before the shop’s 3 pm closing time.
Guillaume and Deborah also have a booth at the Sunday Farmers Market in the Riviera Village. They’re a warm and friendly couple, and we’re delighted they’ve chosen the Riviera Village as the site of their new business. Once you meet them and taste their delicious goods, we think you’ll feel the same.
The Little French Bakery is open daily from 7 am to 3 pm and is closed Mondays. You’ll find them at 1820 South Catalina Avenue, (310) 504-0245.
Don’t forget to enter this month’s raffle for a $25 Little French Bakery gift certificate. Your taste buds will thank you.
Bon appetite mes amis!