Little France Bakery (Patisserie)

Having developed the single best French-style dessert bakery in Orange County, Shokuh Patisserie’s owners created a second location in Dubai – then left to run it full time, selling the Newport Beach space to a Mission Viejo-based competitor named Little France Bakery. Now named Little France Patisserie on its own signage, the former Shokuh has become Little France Bakery’s second store: Early in the transition, the small chain’s owner worked the counter, informing customers that his pastries are favorites of Elton John, and reassuring past Shokuh fans that the departed chef trained under him. In other words, there’s no need to worry, just enjoy the pastries.

Although the space has been completely redecorated, losing Shokuh’s clean, simple lines in favor of busier decor, much of the menu remains intact under new ownership. Most of Shokuh’s glossy mini cakes, the undisputed stars of the prior show, can still be had at Little France at around 85% of their prior flavor and texture, while new desserts have joined them, including a Samba coffee mousse, peach mousse, and apple tarte tatin, all good. Generally speaking, blueberry lemon pavlovas, strawberry mousse hearts, and pistachio-raspberry domes have become more cream- and cake-forward in flavor – not as powerfully fruity or nutty as at the old Shokuh.

As before, basic coffees and teas are also available, either for takeout or enjoyment at one of several small tables inside. New to the space is a scratch creperie, staffed by the former proprietor of Mr. French Crepe, and preserving the Paris-class sweet and savory recipes he was previously known for.