Champagne Bakery brings Left Bank
flavor to the ‘Bu
By Kim Devore / Staff Writer
Malibu is made for long, lazy mornings. What could be better than lingering over a freshly made omelet and tall glass of O.J.? But sometimes you yearn for a proper breakfast without the bother. While we wouldn’t recommend visiting Champagne French Bakery in your bathrobe, there’s certainly no need to get gussied up.
Throw on your sweats, slip on some flip-flops and pull up a chair at this simple, French pastry shop. The laid-back morning crowd prefers the casual atmosphere to the more formal sit-down restaurants in town.
Another plus? Peace and quiet. The place is tucked away in a calm corner of Malibu Colony Shopping Plaza away from the hustle and bustle of the market, drug store and shops. There aren’t many outdoor tables, but waiting for one is rare.
Snag one, grab a copy of Le Figaro from the newsstand next door and savor your morning coffee and croissant like you’re off in the City of Light.
Omelets include classic ham and cheese as well as spinach and Swiss. But for a tangy twist, try the soft, creamy brie with roasted bell peppers. You can also opt for breakfast crepes filled with bacon, ham or Swiss accompanied with a side of seasoned red potatoes.
If you’re not one to fret over calories or carbs, indulge in the brioche French toast, made with cinnamon, toasted almonds, sweet berries and syrup. Another way to satisfy a sweet tooth would be by tucking into the strawberry crepes filled with berries, vanilla mousseline and topped with whipped cream.
For lunch on the go, Champagne sparkles as a great alternative to fast food. The traditional Salade Nicoise is a favorite prepared with albacore tuna, tomatoes, red onions, hard-boiled eggs and green beans. There’s a chopped chicken with avocado and a grilled chicken Caesar, as well as their signature sandwiches. It’s also one of the few places in town where you can get your fix of French onion soup and a classic quiche Lorraine.
And while you’re stopping by, don’t forget to admire the vast array of colorful tarts, sticky pastries and decadent cakes. Champagne has one of the best selections in town. It’s the perfect place to pick up something sensational for your next dinner party or score big points with the guys back home. Don’t forget to shop early as their glorious goodies often sell out.
So next time you’re up for unfussy eating and a little French flair, saunter on down to Champagne Bakery. You’ll see why it’s mellow and magnifique!