Discover the CT Pastry Chef Whose Irresistible Treats and ‘Best Drink Ever’ Are Luring Customers from All Over!

At Le Bánh Patisserie in Simsbury, every cup of coffee is crafted using a slow drip method. Owner Kim Wood believes it’s the best way to honor the rich tradition of Vietnamese coffee. “Sure, machines can speed things up, but they take away the special touch,” she says.

Kim’s passion runs deep. Her snickerdoodle cookies are a mix of familiar and French flavors, highlighting her unique baking style. The name of her bakery reflects her heritage—“Bánh” means cake in Vietnamese, while “patisserie” is French for bakery.

Kim emigrated to America from Vietnam at just three years old. Her family journeyed through tough times, but their struggles shaped her. “We lived in a one-bedroom shack when we first came to Fort Worth,” she recalls. Her father, a former POW from the Vietnam War, taught her the importance of hard work and education. Today, she embraces a different life—a life filled with pastries and smiles.

Her French pastry skills were honed at the Art Institute of Houston. There, she trained under Chef Frédéric Larre, a member of the prestigious Académie Culinaire de France. After mastering her craft, she worked as a pastry sous chef at Exxon Mobil and later at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. “I really enjoyed those experiences, but I wanted something more personal,” she says.

In February 2020, just before the world changed, she launched her bakery. Initially, it was a delivery service that quickly gained a loyal following. Customers loved her organic, additive-free treats made with locally sourced ingredients.

Running a bakery is more than just baking for Kim. She wants to create a community feel. “I encourage my team to know our regulars,” she shares. The bakery’s warm atmosphere includes a kid’s corner for families to enjoy their time together.

Among her offerings are beautiful pastries, savory sandwiches, and, of course, Vietnamese coffee. One customer described the salted Vietnamese coffee as “maybe the best drink I’ve ever consumed.” It’s smooth with a chocolatey hint, making each sip memorable.

Kim’s journey sets her apart. “I’m kind of the black sheep in my family of doctors,” she laughs. She finds joy in helping couples plan their weddings, using her pastries as edible art. “French pastry is all about balance,” she explains, highlighting the intricate flavors and textures that are her specialty.

With a strong foundation in her heritage and a deep love for French baking, Kim Wood isn’t just crafting pastries—she’s sharing joy and authenticity in every bite.

For more on Kim’s culinary journey, you can read further at [Le Bánh Patisserie](https://www.lebanh.com/).

Source link

Vietnamese coffee, Kim Wood, cup of coffee, French pastry, pastry chef, Le Bánh Patisserie, Kim Hoàng Wood, Simsbury