Patrick’s Bakery & Bistro

Address:
331 Broadway Ave. S., Wayzata, 952-345-6100, patricksbakerycafe.com

The Scene
By day, Patrick’s is a packed, jams-and-jellies–stocked suburban bakery, bustling with klatches of sweat-suited Wayzatans munching breakfast and light luncheon fare or moms on the run stopping to pick up sinful sweets. At night, the ten butcher-papered tables take on the tone of an intimate French bistro illuminated by the glowing fluorescence of the (by then) empty bakery counter. When the weather permits, the best seating is on the sidewalk. It’s as close to a European alfresco experience as can be found in these parts.

Our Take
Not since the long-lamented Chouette has there been a place in this part of the metro as delightful and delicious as Patrick’s. Although the seasonally changing dinner menu was only in its first major iteration during my visits, there was hardly a clunker to be found. From the carpaccio of dill-marinated salmon served with a blini and horseradish sauce to the lobster-sauced roasted scallops served on a mound of perfect saffron risotto to a done-to-perfection filet topped with a peppercorn sauce to the duck breast a l’orange, everything left me swooning. And don’t miss the twice-fried frites presented with cups of béarnaise and horseradish mayonnaise. A fishy piece of Atlantic salmon and oversauced lamb Provençal were my only complaints. Then a-gain, the sauce was perfect when sopped up with the wonderful complimentary French bread. Be sure to leave room for dessert. The dozen or so choices may be the finest selection to be found in the Twin Cities. Service was impeccable.

Evolution of an Empire?
It was four years ago that owner-chef Patrick Bernet opened his first bakery in Southdale Square to rave reviews. That was followed by a café in Bachman’s on Lyndale and this Wayzata branch in the former Chez Foley. Next on the drawing board are plans to offer dinner at the original location. After that, Bernet plans to wait until quality control is where he wants it and his staff is ready to take on new challenges. At the age of thirty-eight, this Alsatian prodigy seems to have a tiger by the tail. 

Fine Print GETTING THERE, GETTING IN: There’s plenty of on-street parking and a free municipal ramp next door. Reservations are strongly recommended. HOURS: Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. NOISE LEVEL: Moderate. KIDS: No special menu, but the kitchen will prepare kid-friendly items upon request. CARDS: AmEx, Discover, MC, Visa. ENTRÉE PRICES: $19–$35. EXTRAS: During summer months, there’s alfresco dining on the front sidewalk. Handicap Accessible.