FRENCH FANCY: PASCAL TEPPER FRENCH BAKERY

Pascal Tepper French Bakery offers a contemporary take on the traditional French dine-in bakery at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. FACT’s Hayley Alexander visits for lunch and enjoys a selection of oven-fresh bread, Viennoiseries and hot and cold dishes.

Chef Pascal Tepper was born in Pecquencourt in northern France. In the year 2000, he received his supreme title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”, a much-coveted recognition as the best French artisan in the baking trade. It was not unusual that he was named after his title, as he spent most of his time in the family business.

Pascal took over from his father Theo Tepper, who was a talented baker himself and shared his passion for traditional baking and the taste of good bread with his son. Pascal Tepper hails from a long tradition of French bakers and still insists on preparing the base ingredients for a wide range of bread and pastries at a hub in rural France.

Floor to ceiling windows from which the natural light beams through, compliments the scattered green plants and minimal furniture of Pascal Tepper French Bakery at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, providing the space with a modern and airy feel.

We are welcomed by the friendly general manager Bernard who shows the same enthusiasm to all the other guests that walk in through the door of this charming and inviting establishment. Our order is taken by Maizie, who is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the menu, ingredients and flavours. While we ponder over what to have, Maizie advises us of her favourite dishes and those that are a Pascal Tepper must!

On the lunchtime menu, you will find a range of fresh salads, soups, sandwiches and grilled dishes. When we say there is something for everyone – we mean it. Attractive prices and excellent service make Pascal Tepper the perfect lunch spot, either with friends or for a quick business lunch.

The bread basket steals our sense of smell. This is what we came for! The bread is fluffy with lovely crisp golden edges. It isn’t easy, but we try not to overindulge and leave space for what is about to come.

We begin with the salade de kale aux crevettes which comes highly recommended by our waitress. Slow-cooked prawns with kale, red cabbage, quinoa, beetroot confit, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, lilliput capers and avocado, accompanied by a soy and maple syrup vinaigrette – there’s more than enough to go round for at least three people. We also enjoy a bowl of caesar au crevettes, comprising of slow-cooked prawns, lettuce, turkey bacon and boiled egg with a light Caesar dressing.

After a short break, we move on to our mains. Did you even go to Pascal Tepper if you didn’t try the signature Filet de Boeuf Australien? The steak is juicy and oozing with flavour and the meat is cooked to our preference, accompanied by the cleanest mashed potato and braised red cabbage – the dish made for beef lovers.

We then try the Poitrine de Poulet Fermier, Farrotto aux Bolets and have to admit that the chef did an outstanding job. The presentation of corn-fed chicken breast farrotto, porcini mushroom with baby spinach was followed by an “mmmm”. This dish represents comfort food at its finest.

Guests can choose from the finest grape and hops at affordable prices, starting from just AED 50. We, however, opt for the healthy Green Machine which includes spinach, mango, pineapple, celery, broccoli and banana – it was delicious, we promise!

The staff made the experience more personable with their efforts, from the front of house knowledge all the way through to the passion of the chefs.

Pascal Tepper French Bakery at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, is a breath of fresh air in Dubai’s overcrowded lunchtime scene. The hearty food with quality ingredients make for a perfect lunchtime stop and each dish was a real crowd-pleaser. ✤