Artisanal Goods by Car Review: The Best Croissants Are at This Pasadena Bakery | Eater LA

"The smell of Normandy butter hits first, followed by the heady, inviting scent of melting chocolate, at this intimate Pasadena bakery that opened in 2021 as a chocolate shop; once founder Haris Car deciphered laminated dough, he began using his own confections to make the best chocolate croissants in Los Angeles. Naturally, the chocolate croissant demands attention—cut it in half to reveal flawless lamination and three generous blocks of richly tempered chocolate rectangles, with molten morsels in every bite because they’re served only warm. The almond croissant is liberally filled with marzipan and topped with slivered almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar (there’s a chocolate version, too), and while Kougin-amann isn’t always on the menu, get it if it is: the knotted dough is gloriously rich and syrupy, and the Normandy butter punches through. Beyond croissants, there’s a rotating selection of seasonal pastries, divinely warm, chewy, thin chocolate chip cookies crowned with flaky salt that highlight the bittersweetness of Car’s chocolate, and a robust coffee menu. To drink, lean into what Car does best with rich, hot drinking chocolate; there’s also a choco-espresso and choco-latte if caffeine feels like the move. Lines remain long on weekends, so visit on a weekday or arrive early (before 10 a.m.) for the best selection." - Kat Thompson