Marie B.
Yelp
I had bookmarked Choux Choux Bakery for quite sometime. I finally took a spontaneous drive up north to Everett to check it out (8/29/23). It is located close to the downtown core, at street level of an apartment or condo building. I was able to snag one of the 90 minute adjacent street parking slots, which was convenient.
Upon entering, I liked the high ceilings and windows that allowed for plentiful natural light. Immediately to the right were a trio of two tops, near featured wall art, some healthy plants, pair of turntables, and a vast collection of vinyl albums.
I chose to remain indoors as it began to drizzle outside. There are several outdoor cafe tables and chairs arranged in the courtyard. Limited indoor seating, but there is also a stand up counter. I observed that they do brisk take out.
The pastry case had a variety of both sweet and savory baked items. Decent viennoiserie, patisserie, and boulangerie available for one stop shopping.
Beverages are available, including coffee beverages from Victrola beans, however no drip - noted from one affixed sign.
I appreciated the barista/counter person who was both friendly and knowledgeable about products I asked about, plus kindly warmed up the mushroom croissant. I mistook this for a pain au chocolat...oh well, it's time to go savory. I also ordered an 8 oz mocha. I was surprised that both items were packaged up - guess there's no mugs and saucers for onsite dining.
My benchmark is always a pain au chocolat, when available. I was offered a large Nutella pastry instead, but I declined. I was glad that the mushroom croissant ($5.50) was double bagged, because surprisingly it was a bit greasy. There was not much observable lamination of the pastry either. It was flavorful and as my first meal of the day, it was gobbled up.
Still wished I had a napkin. There were none available at the sideboard by the entrance. Also, observed that the pastry case could have used a bit of sprucing up, table tops wiped down, and less visible crumbs on the floor...but that's just me. Probably too busy with steady stream of customers all morning to midday.
The 8oz mocha ($5) was molten and was double cupped with a lid. Wished there was a recyclable sleeve instead. It was decent, once it cooled down. It was a welcomed beverage, as the temperature today dropped 10-15 degrees compared to the day before.
While uploading photos, eating my pastry, and sipping my mocha, I observed a "street person" enter the shop. There was interaction between that individual and the barista/counter person, where water was provided, and person left without further incident. Truly the extra star was simply for that barista/counter person. Uniformly welcoming to all who entered, including myself. No hipster pretentiousness or indifference which was greatly appreciated.
Both the pastry and mocha with tax and tip on this initial visit was a little over $12, kind of pricey for my limited budget. There are other indie bakeshops and cafes located in Everett that I prefer more.
Props to the Choux Choux Bakery team since they are coming up on their 7th year in business. With the post-pandemic economy, that's great they're able to thrive and sustain a connection with their neighborhood.