Located in the former Cafe Ceres, at 3509 W. 44th St., the pop-up will be open from Oct. 15 through Dec. 31 with an exclusive menu. Expect to find rich French sipping chocolate, artisanal holiday desserts, aromas and flavors filled with the nostalgic coziness of early Christmas mornings. That means toasty French butter, warm spices mingling with crunchy sugar, steamy beverages and more.
Initial hours will be 3 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 1 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Marc Heu Patisserie is the buzzy bakery from owners Gaosong and chef Marc Heu. Since opening in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood in 2019, and then relocating to Cathedral Hill in 2023, they’ve gained a reputation for delicate presentation and astounding desserts in an elegant, thoughtful setting. Accolades have followed them, from regular pastry appreciators to local and national press, including recognition as a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2024.
French-born baker Marc Heu is known for his elaborate desserts, including this vanilla Saint Honore, shown in 2020. (David Joles/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Born in St. Remy, France, Marc Heu grew up in French Guiana, where his parents, tropical fruit farmers, settled as Hmong refugees of the Vietnam War. He studied medicine, but on trip to St. Paul he met Gaosong. The two married and made Minnesota their home. She encouraged his budding passion for pastry, and after he returned to France to study, the two opened their bakery. It grew in popularity through extraordinary desserts and passionate word-of-mouth.
Now, through lively social media and boundless creativity, the business continues to build. After testing the waters with collaborations, including the desserts found at Cafe Yoto, the pop-up is the first time the duo has extended the shop to a new location.
Meanwhile, expect the original Marc Heu Patisserie (156 N. Dale St., St. Paul) to continue its normal hours and ever-evolving menu. They’ve recently added frozen treats served in croissants and affogato to the daily rotation.
Marc Heu’s signature passionfruit tart. (David Joles/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Dining and Cooking