Photo by Ryan Parker

 

As we’re nearing the end of another busy and fun-filled week, I want to take time to appreciate the little things that make a big difference in our lives– and weekends. Breakfast is regarded as the most important meal of the day, and on Saturday mornings, it is often the very first thing I think of when I wake up. When thinking about the best breakfast, The Croissanterie immediately comes to my mind as one of the greatest places to enjoy a really good meal. 

 

Over the years, I have gotten to know the owners, Chef Wendy Schay and Chef Jill McDonald, and boy, are they talented. Not only are they both excellent chefs, but they are hands-on in the community. My daughter, Savvy, has taken several of their bakery classes and has always had the best time learning from them. I even went one time with her to learn how to make cinnamon rolls, which not only turned out absolutely delicious, but made for one of my favorite family memories. 

 

One word comes to my mind when thinking of the food at The Croissanterie: Perfection! I’m not joking when I say I have thoroughly enjoyed every single thing I have ordered from the restaurant. They have the best breakfast with both sweet and savory options, suitable for every person’s cravings. I can’t recommend the biscuits and gravy enough, they are truly delicious, and of course- their famous croissants! The croissants are the best-ever and are prepared over a three-day period. The wait is beyond worth it as the buttery-goodness is sure to melt in your mouth. 

Photo by Ryan Parker

 

 

Not only do I love my usual favorites, but I also am a big fan of switching it up with whatever special they have currently available. I recently tried the French toast, which is phenomenal to say the least and I also really enjoyed the quiche. Every single special has been crafted with the greatest-tasting ingredients, making for one of the best early-morning dining spots in Little Rock. 

 

As the start of school is quickly approaching and mornings for many are sure to get more hectic, I appreciate the ease in which The Croissanterie provides gourmet breakfast for pick-up. It’s so nice to be able to run in and pick up a to-go order of high-quality and homemade menu items, especially in the rush of morning traffic. 

 

The community-minded small business does so much for so many, including donating parts of their shared tips to charities such as the Arkansas Food Bank or the local church. Both chefs attended Pulaski Tech Culinary Academy and are truly dedicated to creating the best locally-sourced menu items. One of my absolute favorite things to do is to support small businesses, and one of my favorite things about The Croissanterie is knowing that they are proactive in supporting other small businesses around the area. 

 

Photo by Ryan Parker

 

“We really try to source everything locally. Everything we can make at home, is made at home, we even make our own jams and peanut butter,” Schay and McDonald said. “We love supporting what our local community has because in return they’ve done so much to support us.” 

 

There’s something so great about knowing that the food you’re eating has been made by local professionals with ingredients that are supplied from home-grown farmers and markets. 

 

Now, the current hours of service at the restaurant are Wednesday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., but everyone should check back after labor day to see about new hours. 

 

If you’ve ever been driving on Highway 10 and seen The Croissanterie Food Truck in the restaurant parking lot: get excited, because the food truck means one thing: really good burgers. Brunch has always been one of my favorite meals and I’m even more excited about the upcoming brunch hours at the restaurant. 

 

According to the owners, brunch will soon be a regular occurrence with the burgers served Saturday’s and Sunday’s in the restaurant itself. Brunch isn’t brunch without the perfect mimosa or bloody mary, which gives one more reason to be on the lookout for announcements from the business. The Croissanterie has applied for its liquor license, bringing even more to look forward to. 

 

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