The European BakeShop in 500 person Hartford, Kansas came about because a local man married a woman from France and John and Evelyne O'Connor eventually moved back to the area. The shop has tremendous baked goods - if it was in a metropolitan area, they would sell out shortly after opening each day. Although Evelyne creates a wide variety of pastries, ice cream and quiche; only a few are available on a given day. I recommend reviewing the items on their website and calling ahead to have your favorites prepared. From the decorated cookies which this reporter tried at Valentines Day and Easter, to the tarts, pastries and candies; the baked goods are as beautiful as they taste. But after 2 visits, my favorite item is the almond croissants - which are even better than the chocolate croissants at Napoleon's Bakery in Kansas City. Hartford is about 10 miles south of I-34, 10 miles east of Emporia, Kansas. Don't forget to bring extra cash, the European BakeShop does not accept credit cards.
copyright 2007 by Keith Stokes |
