When you move to a new area it takes a while to discover all the hidden gems. Living in Harmony, PA was easy because it only had about seven businesses. Pittsburgh is a little more daunting, but my nephew, Matt recommended a little area called Millvale. It’s one of those formerly beaten up Pittsburgh towns that looks a little gritty, but is resurrecting itself, one small business at a time. The houses look a bit worn, but there’s an up-and-coming vibe like it’s going to be the next cool place to live.
One business there is a French Pastry shoppe called Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery. It’s not overly cute like some French Pastry Shoppes try to be here in the U.S., and is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, but it more than does the job. The focus is on the wonderful quality of the pastries. I was so excited to try it that I left this morning forgetting to check my purse to be sure my wallet was in there…of course it wasn’t, so I had to drive all the way back to get it. DUH!
WQED, the PBS TV station in Pittsburgh famous for broadcasting Misterogers Neighborhood did a wonderful story on Jean-Marc’s. Here’s a link to the story and a better look at the business and the baker behind all this deliciousness, Jean-Marc himself. That French Bakery in Millvale.
I went back, made my purchases and couldn’t wait to scarf them down. And now that I’m writing this, I realize I didn’t get any shots of the pastries in the store but you can see them in that video. So, I will probably go back a third time.
What surprised me, because I lived in Los Angeles for so long, is there was no long line. The second time I went, there were only two people who’d just walked in before me. These are the perks of living in Pittsburgh. I think if Jean-Marc offered cafe o lait and had a place to sit and eat there would definitely be a long line, but I’m happy because I had my pastries at home with my homemade caffe latte and was perfectly content.
Was it worth two, and possibly three trips? I just did significant scientific research and left the pastries looking like Pacman, and can honestly say, yes. The pastries reminded me of the ones I had in Paris years ago. However, I’m sure I’ll go back and check again because research is so very important to get right. To all my friends out there, this is another good reason to visit me in Pittsburgh!
If you live in Pittsburgh and want to check them out, the address is 231 North Avenue, Millvale, PA 15209. Their phone number 412 821-8533. Just remember they’re only open on Fridays, 8 am to 5 pm and and Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm. But the memory of that delicious, buttery pastry will stay with you all week.
As always (and definitely not mandatory) if you enjoy this blog and the recipes and would like to be a supporter so I can stay caffeinated enough to continue turning out blogs another ten years, just click on buymeacoffee.com/FranTunno
2 Comments
Nate Tunno
April 11, 2025 at 4:19 pmYes, this is a great, and very delicious bakery. I went there with my Father on a Saturday in early February and we got some very delicious croissants, which we used to make turkey sandwiches. We also got some cakes slices, which were not as good as the croissants but also pretty tasty. Would like to go back again!
Fran Tunno
April 11, 2025 at 4:37 pmNate, I could not possibly love you more! Thank you for being my most consistent reader and all round wonderful human! Let’s all go to the bakery together next time!