Inspired by the famed French luxury bakery Ladurée, The Bakester Patisserie and Café is a little slice of heaven across from the train station in downtown Arlington Heights. Stepping inside the deliciously small and well-appointed space, the senses go ooh la la. This is the perfect spot to take your daughter to high tea, meet up with a friend, or stop in to take items to go.
Courtesy of chef-owner Sanja Srbulovic, who brings her own elegance to the experience, this neighborhood gem is filled with delights crafted from the best European baking techniques, including freshly made croissants, quiche, cakes, pies, cookies, pastries and gluten-free options. Enjoy the finest cup of coffee, latte or cappuccino here. Smoothies and hot chocolate are also available.
Menus on chalkboards are updated daily. Crepes ($4.95) come savory (sharp cheddar or pesto cream-arugula) or sweet (Nutella and banana, strawberry and cream or banana and caramel). Croissant sandwiches ($5.25-$7.25) include egg and cheese, turkey-cranberry salad, tuna salad and smoked salmon. Paninis ($5.25 and up) include grilled cheddar, caprese and vegan. Soup of the day ($5.25) is always a winner, like the smooth and supple butternut squash soup paired with slice of baguette on a cold winter day.
Of note is the high tea (adults $35; children $20) with a cascading assortment of delicate sandwiches and pastries served on tiered silver trays, perfect for a new mother or bride, or mother-daughter outing. Reservations for high tea are required, at least a few hours in advance,
as Sanja freshly prepares everything, considering any food allergies or preferences.
Custom celebration cakes and sweet tables for all occasions are a specialty. “It’s not the salad or entrée that people remember, it’s the cake!” Sanja relays. With a degree in microelectronics, and her first baking lessons from her mother, Sanja is an expert cakemaker with fantastic designs and artistic details. Some of her creations are displayed at The Bakester and more can be found on the website.
The chocolate cake made with Belgian chocolate is #1 with Sanja and her customers. Salted caramel chocolate cake, carrot cake and cheesecake are also fan favorites. Cakes are made with almond flour, so they are gluten free. Macaroons of lavender, pistachio, lemon and cinnamon make a delightful rainbow of flavor and are exquisitely packaged to order. And it all comes with a smile.
The Bakester Patisserie and Café
13 ½ West Davis Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Winter hours: Mondays-Thursdays 7:30 am to 6:00 pm; Fridays 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Sundays
7:30 am to 3:00 pm; Closed Saturdays (hours will be extended for summer)
Accepts custom cake orders, reservations for high tea, and phone-ahead orders at (224) 310 – 9192; www.thebakester.com