When we think of artisanal French pâtisseries and boulangeries, we think rustic cobblestone streets, old-world storefronts and winding laneways… Not necessarily a former burger shop in a western suburbs shopping centre.
And yet, a little slice of French charm has been transported to Floreat Forum with the arrival of Artisan Crust over the winter months.
Couple Benjamin and Marie Gauthier opened the doors to the bakery back in July, specialising in both boulangerie fare – think rustic baguettes, pain au levain – alongside an impressive range of pâtisserie items, all handcrafted on site.
Bread offerings focus on digestible, sourdough bakes – slow-fermented and hand-shaped each morning, hearty loaves made with ancient emmer grain are found alongside artisan baguettes and herb-topped mini focaccia, also sourdough.
But look to the expansive cabinet and you’ll see rows upon rows of intricate pastries, also hand-crafted in the bakery each morning.
Classic croissants are made with French Lescure butter, the couple tells us, to capture the authentic, traditional French flavour – but pats of Australian Pepe Saya cultured butter are served alongside to provide a tangy counterbalance.
Passionate about utilising local Australian produce alongside imported traditional French ingredients, much of the citrus used across the pastries, freshly baked madeleines and their specialty drinks menu (including a home made Earl Grey and lemon ice tea – refreshing!) is sourced from Benjamin and Marie’s own backyard – as well as a seasonal range of fruit jams available to take home.
Coffee, incidentally, is courtesy of local roaster Blacklist’s Marcato blend – a full-bodied, robust blend with notes of chocolate that creates a classic espresso with a velvety mouthfeel.
While they’ve got the more pared-back, traditional pastries on lock, rotating specials allow the couple to explore even more of that seasonal produce, and less traditional flavour profiles – like with their pistachio crème brulée pastry, filled with a verdant pistachio custard and a glistening, crackable caramel top.
This month’s special also makes the most of peak blueberry season, with a whipped vanilla custard topped with blueberry jam and plump blueberries.
For those with more of a savoury tooth, you’ll find plenty on offer – from savoury danishes topped with roast pumpkin, feta and pesto or Parisian-style pain-Suisse with ham, cheese and pickles, to filled baguettes, quiches and French-by-way-of-Australian-bakery pies, filled with creamy chicken stew or beef bourguignon.
And importantly for parents, the bakery is opposite the Forum’s playground – so you can grab a seat outside with your coffee and pastry while keeping an eye on the kids as they burn off a bit of excess energy.
Artisan Crust is located at the Floreat Forum (Outside Forum), corner Howtree Place and The Boulevard, Floreat.
Image credits: Perth is OK! / Sally Hall
Dining and Cooking