For many in Pasadena, the day often begins with the delightful aromas wafting from Euro Pane Pasadena. This beloved bakery, a cornerstone of the community, has long been synonymous with morning queues of eager customers, allured by the promise of exquisite French macarons, generously sized English muffins, delectable cinnamon rolls, and perfectly formed lemon bars. For over two decades, the heart and soul behind this operation has been baker-owner Sumi Chang, whose warm smile and dedication have become as much a fixture as the bakery’s famed pastries.
It’s almost unimaginable to picture Euro Pane Pasadena without Chang at the helm. Whether at the original location on Colorado Boulevard or the second spot opened nearby in 2010, her presence was a comforting constant. However, Pasadena has seen a significant change: in August, Chang made the decision to sell her cherished bakery.
“I’m simply going to take a moment to breathe and immerse myself in a good book,” Chang shared, having stayed on for a few months to ensure a smooth transition. “My passion lies in art, so I’m looking forward to spending more time exploring museums.”
Chang’s journey to becoming a celebrated baker is an interesting one. Moving from Seoul to the U.S. at the age of 14, her initial career path was in nursing, working in intensive care units. It was later that she pursued her culinary passion, studying pastry under the renowned Jim Dodge in San Francisco and at the prestigious Lenôtre in Paris. Her experience also includes working alongside Nancy Silverton at Campanile, where she honed her skills managing the breakfast service. In 1995, Pasadena welcomed the first Euro Pane Pasadena, a testament to Chang’s vision and hard work.
Despite Chang’s departure from Euro Pane Pasadena, loyal patrons can rest assured that the bakery’s essence will remain unchanged. Chang has entrusted all her treasured recipes to the capable hands of her employees. The familiar flavors and quality that have made Euro Pane Pasadena a local institution are set to continue.
Even with a change of pace, Chang’s dedication to her craft remains unwavering. Her days still begin at 3 a.m., but instead of heading to the bakery, she is now channeling her energy into transforming her garage into a personal test kitchen. She’s enthusiastically exploring the possibilities of her sous vide machine and indulging in the art of homemade jam making. However, due to a noncompete agreement, Pasadena will have to wait at least three years before anticipating a new bakery venture from Chang. Yet, her words offer a glimmer of hope for Pasadena food enthusiasts: “Baking is in my DNA,” she affirms.
Euro Pane Pasadena is located at 950 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 577-1828 and 345 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 101, Pasadena, (626) 844-8804.
In other Los Angeles culinary news, République has announced the promotion of Chris Carrillo to chef de cuisine, and Noubar Yessayan has been named executive pastry chef of the Lucques Group, further enriching the city’s vibrant food scene.
References:
Original article from Los Angeles Times.
