Best Up-and-Coming Parisian Bakery That’s Actually In Pacific Grove
Maison Iris
219 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
Paris is the birthplace of the modern circus, where shows featuring trick horseback riding, jugglers and acrobats became very popular in the 1700s. It went on to become the circus capital of the world by the mid-1800s. Today a little bit of Paris has landed in Pacific Grove with the opening of Maison Iris in August, in the spot that used to hold Pavel’s Backerie. Owners Iris and Reda Hamade migrated to P.G. to open the bakery, featuring Reda’s delectable creations. The skilled pastry chef uses only French-imported butter, flour and chocolate to craft unique croissants, tarts almost too pretty to eat, fudgy brownies, choux pastries filled with mousse and baguettes. They also use imported ham and cheese to make their Parisian sandwiches. More treats are on the way as the business gets up and running.