A French Patisserie in Detroit? Oh, Oui!
Part of discovering midlife is also re-discovering my hometown of Detroit, Michigan. After many years of having the unfortunate reputation of being an unsafe and dilapidated city, it has transformed into a thriving safe(r) city with many new restaurants and attractions.
One of my favorite activities is to wander the streets and discover (new to me) food establishments. There are lots of hidden gems that you might miss if you’re only driving through in a car.
This is how I originally found Cannelle by Matt Knio. This French Patisserie has since become one of my favorite destinations in the Motor City.
Cannelle by Matt Knio
45 West Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 ph (313) 694-9767
Walking along the streets of the Capitol Park Historic District in Detroit you’ll see many concrete office buildings, some restaurants, and shops.
And almost like a mirage in a hot desert, there is a patio that looks like you have arrived in Paris in the summer. Lush greens, with red and white checked chairs and wood cafe tables, welcome you in. Or more like beckon you to stop and take a moment to enjoy.
Once you get to the door, you’ll notice a bright white and clean modern cafe with more tables inside, about 40 seats total. They are sweetly and simply decorated with a jar of fresh flowers and a little basket of sugar packets and salt and pepper shakers.
As soon as you enter, you will be immediately welcomed to the cafe by friendly and helpful staff.
A long counter bar to the right and left of the door with about 5 high seats each, lets you watch the world go by or dream of faraway places while sipping a beverage and tasting a bit of France.
There is a barista station straight ahead. The aroma is breath-taking in the best way, especially if you’re a coffee drinker. The coffee tastes as great as it smells. Perfectly brewed and so smooth. Yum!
To the right are cases filled with the French pastries that look like edible artwork. And are guaranteed to make your mouth water. Items such as macarons; big and small, eclairs, cakes, and so much more.
Behind the cases are baskets of freshly baked loaves of bread, croissants, and other goodies.
The best part of this lovely oasis in the middle of Detroit is that the pastries are just as delicious as they look.
One of my favorites is the pistachio macaron. It is absolutely delicious. I love the taste of pistachio, but not when it’s overwhelming, and this is definitely not overwhelming. It has just the right amount of flavor. The texture of the macaron is perfect as well. It has a slight crunch that evolves into a chewy bite. There is a yummy almond cream filling and the raspberries are a fresh, delightful flavor mixed with the rest.
and White Chocolate
For a lovely break from the norm and a trip to a real Parisian cafe in the midst of Detroit, visit Cannelle by Matt Knio. You can thank me later.
Let me know in the comments if you’re planning to visit Cannelle soon.
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