If you suddenly feel an impulse to travel abroad, maybe first take a trip to Pacific Beach to satisfy your European tastes. A new shop on Garnet Avenue, Desserts by Clément, will fill you with the buttery aroma of France with golden croissants and an irresistible display of desserts.
Clément Le Déoré, originally from France, opened his dessert shop a month and a half ago. Some might recognize him as a TV star on the Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship.” Now, you have the chance to taste a variety of savories and desserts crafted by one of the show’s finalists.
Le Déoré’s journey in baking began when he was 15 years old. He traveled across the world – from his hometown, Brittany, to Corsica, and Sydney – to become a proficient baker and arrived in San Diego seven years ago.
While starting a new bakery business in France might be a tough go, the U.S. was the land of opportunity for Le Déoré to share flavors and skills from his home country. “It’s motivating to see customers’ faces when they enjoy my desserts. That’s the reward. I like to share with people,” he said.
There was another way Le Déoré shared his skills – through baking classes. He had started teaching people in response to requests from followers on Instagram and continued for a year. Some joined for fun, while others came to add something different to their businesses. He paused the classes due to a tight schedule with opening the new shop, but he looks forward to resuming them.
“I receive lots of emails asking about the class. People sometimes come to the shop and ask me. I don’t have time now, but I need to do it again. I don’t want to disappoint people,” said Le Déoré.
Le Déoré is also exploring a unique concept by offering a combination of French viennoiserie and savories that Americans enjoy grabbing for breakfast. According to Le Déoré, as the French typically only eat sweets in the morning, adding savory items was a new attempt for him to adapt to the local palate. The menu includes four different kinds of croissant sandwiches, along with options like quiche and croque monsieur.
Being on TV programs also trained him to try something new and not settle. Le Déoré ventured to implement French skills in the American style by pushing himself to bake things he had never done before, such as wedding cakes and cupcakes.
In the meanwhile, his specialty is croissants, and the New York roll, which has been a top selling item recently. The New York roll is a round-shaped croissant roll filled with cream. “People went crazy for New York rolls during the weekend. That’s the one that sold out first and there were no more rolls by 2 p.m.,” said Le Déoré.
Le Déoré is planning to gradually add different flavors for original items and new additions to the menu. His efforts will continue to share the beauty of French baked goods and pâtisserie with the people of San Diego.
DESSERTS BY CLÉMENT
Where: 1380 Garnet Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays (closed on Mondays).
Info: dessertsbyclement.com.
