Many neighbors were sad to see Blissful Bites close its doors last year. But a new tenant has opened in the space, and they’ve brought delicious, French pastries to the neighborhood.
Arsicault Bakery (397 Arguello) is owned by Armando Lacayo, a first-time merchant with a passion for French baking. Lacayo comes from a legacy of baking – his great grandparents owned Arsicault Boulangerie in Corbeil-Essonnes, France in the early 1900’s.
Inside the bakery are two artifacts from his great-grandparents’ business – an old photograph from 1907 and a delivery cart from the shop.
Arsicault specializes in French pastries. We sampled the chocolate croissant which was excellent. Lacayo also gave us a taste of the raspberry paille (translates as “straw”), which are two light, crunchy pastries with raspberry jam in the center.
The bakery’s specialty is the almond croissant, featuring almond cream made from Madagascar vanilla seed (no extract) and a touch of Meyer’s rum.
“It’s a croissant you can listen to,” Lacayo said as he picked up a croissant with tongs and demonstrated the crackling sound from the flaky crust.
Arsicault Bakery is open Wednesday through Monday from 7am until 3pm (closed Tuesdays); they may extend their hours in the coming weeks. The bakery also serves coffee and has ample indoor seating, as well as two outdoor tables.
Stop in and welcome them to the neighborhood!
Sarah B.
Arsicault staff. L to R: Lisa, employee #1, owner Armando Lacayo, Lacayo’s nephew Raphi
The delivery cart from the original Arsicault Bakery in France
A photo of Lacayo’s great-grandparents outside the original Arsicault Boulangerie in France, circa 1907
This post just cost me 5 pounds.
Delicious pastries and really nice people. What more could you want? Such a nice addition to the hood.
I’m on my way!
A great story and family heritage. I hope they’re successful and blow away Starbucks’ pretender French bakery chain “La Boulange”.
Omg! the chocolate Almond croissant! To die for! Eating it outside at their little table in the sun with a cup of coffee!
^Way to be a supportive neighbor, Monique! Glad you enjoyed your visit
Sarah B.
Welcome to the neighborhood! Everything looks soooo good!
Must…restrain…myself…from…eating…everything…in…sight…
Came at noon, and they only had scones left. OMG! The best scone I have ever had- anywhere!!!! I am going back tomorrow for a croissant!
Looks great. Do you know what brand of coffee they serve?
Hopefully they do extend their hours, esp. on the weekend. Some of us get out & about late.
Wow! The almond croissants are out of this world!!! Good coffee tooo
Everything is amazing, the plain and almond croissants are better than France! I will be back very soon.
My family is lactose intolerant, are there options for us?
Wonderful croissants. Now if only they could magically come up with an inventory of baguettes…the ones at the farmer’s market ain’t that great.