There are your run-of-the-mill mass-produced sweets - and then there authentic fine desserts made by a Parisian-trained pastry chef. There’s absolutely no comparison. And unless you’ve experienced the difference, you may not know quite what you’re missing. But there’s no need to miss out when Bao’s Pastry in downtown Valparaiso offers a taste of France right in Northwest Indiana.
Bao and her family moved from Paris, France, to the United States in 2018, and they chose to settle in the Chicago area, making their way to Valparaiso, where she was drawn to the residential neighborhoods, beauty of the lakeshore and friendly community.
A trained pastry chef in France, Bao graduated with a Professional Pastry Degree from the Paris Auguste Escoffier School in 2015 and began working at bakeries and pastry boutiques around Paris. She brought her skills, passion and dedication to using quality ingredients when she began making her pastries for area farmer’s markets and local events. For several years, she has been a vendor at the Valparaiso Market and Chesterton European Market (and you can still find her there each week) and after establishing a customer base, it was obvious she had the customer base to support a brick-and-mortar store.
Her storefront is located in downtown Valparaiso on Jefferson Street. The interior space has cases full of amazingly gorgeous treats - ones that almost look too good to eat - and in the warmer months, you can enjoy them on the patio seating outside the shop. Plans are also underway for a tearoom that will be coming soon to 607 Lincolnway in Valparaiso.
Next time your sweet tooth is craving something delicious, you’re looking to cheer someone up or you need a dessert for a special occasion, be sure to pay Bao’s a visit. It’s artisan food at its very, very best. For more information, visit baopastry.com and don't forget to scroll through their Facebook page for photos of their colorful food art.
