Ex-Teaneck Chef Brings Paris to Englewood

by Megan Merrigan

ENGLEWOOD -- Area residents no longer need a flight to France to get a taste of Paris.  In fact, they do not have to travel any farther than South Dean Street, where Patisserie Florentine setup shop this June.

“Basically, what I try to bring you is Paris. An estate-side or countryside feel,” Tomer Zilkha, the former pastry chef at Teaneck's Mocha Bleu who owns and manages the Parisian inspired bakery alongside his wife Amy, said.

A glass pastry case, which showcases seasonal quiches, sandwiches and Patisserie Florentine’s top-selling almond croissant, amongst other handmade baked goods, welcomes guests as the walk in the bakery’s door.

Customers also have the option to order Patisserie Florentine’s very own coffee blend, other locally sourced coffee and tea products and an array of what Tomer describes as “light” and “clean” menu items.

Tomer grew up baking with his mother and grandmother in Israel, where he was born and raised. When he turned 24, Tomer decided to make a career out of his culinary interests and sought professional training in both Paris and New York City.

While living in New York City, he took a liking to Bergen County and began a 22-month-long search for the perfect location to open his first restaurant.

After exploring options in both Ridgewood and Westwood, Tomer ultimately selected Englewood because the city “has nothing else like it,” he said.

Despite Starbucks assembling ventes and lattes across the street, the duo behind Patisserie Florentine do not perceive the coffee shop chain to be of any competition.

“We sell something different here; we sell an experience,” Tomer remarked. “The product is not just the pastry or the salad; the product is the hospitality…we don’t have customers, we have guests.”

Repeat guests can expect to be greeted by first name upon entering the bakery, but the husband-wife duo want to do more than get to know the community; they want to support it.

All of Patisserie Florentine’s seasonal produce is locally grown and purchased at nearby farmers markets, with the exception of some cheeses, which are imported from France.

Additionally, paintings from local artists decorate the ivory painted brick walls of the bakery, and are available for purchase. The paintings are rotated monthly in order to showcase as much local talent as possible.

“It’s a very important thing for me to keep supporting the local businesses and farmers, so we do our best,” Tomer said.

Patisserie Florentine is located on 10 South Dean Street and is currently open for breakfast and lunch everyday except for Monday. A dinner menu will be available starting this August. 

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