By Madeline Cook
Paul and Jack
The other day a large white box appeared on our porch sealed with an elegant sticker that read “Paul and Jack’. The attached card indicated that the thoughtful delivery had come from our new neighbors across the street. We peeked inside to find four distinct picture-perfect pastries. Having a notorious sweet tooth for every possible combination of sugar, flour and eggs, I couldn’t stop myself from trying some of each. Could they really be as delicious as they were beautiful?
In fact, it was true! Each selection was more decadent than the last as we sampled a chocolate croissant loaded with whipped filling that weighed nearly a pound. Next was a cinnamon roll with the lightest, creamiest cream cheese frosting I’ve ever tasted. The cherry danish was heaped with fresh fruit compote, and the almond croissant burst with caramelized goodness in every bite. Our neighbors had delivered what was essentially a sampling of artisan baked goods, right to our door.
As it turns out, Paul and Jack is a European bakery off of Capital Boulevard and Main Street in Wake Forest. We couldn’t wait to plan our first in-person visit. The amazing scents can practically be detected from the parking lot as you pull in. This time of year, the bakery embraces the holiday season with Christmas trees and toy trains, twinkle lights and festive concoctions at the coffee bar and behind the dessert case.
With an enormous selection right at our fingertips, the crème brule bomboloni was a clear choice, with golden custard peeking out of each sugared and lightly torched pastry. Lovers of a traditional Boston cream donut will think twice before hitting a big box donut chain once they’ve tried Paul and Jack’s variation in the form of a bomboloni. And we couldn’t resist the Caramel Apple Roll, resembling a cinnamon roll and bringing back all the nostalgia of childhood.
Tempt your tastebuds by following paulandjack_nc on Instagram and see the goodness they’re whipping up this week! Then, meet us at a sunny table at 2010 S Main St in Wake Forest to enjoy all this outstanding bakery has to offer!
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