Breakfast at Violet Cakes, A California Bakery in East London

Feb 1

As a born and raised Angeleno, I have involuntarily experienced a city where many of its residents have been on a perpetual diet, abstaining from bread, cookies, and delightful sweets. While in London, I witnessed an envious reality, seeing cakes on full display for what felt like every half block as I explored the city. In one moment I found myself on a cobblestone sidewalk entranced while peering into a window, whispering to myself, “oh my god”, at the sight of glorious cakes. My heart was full.

While in East London I ate at a superb California bakery, thousands of miles from home. Violet Cakes, owned by Claire Ptak, one-time pastry chef of Alice Waters’s Chez Panisse, is a cozy piece of the West Coast serving Londoners delectable pastries, cakes, chocolates, and other delightful creations.

I don’t remember how I came upon Violet Cakes. Was it my rigorous research prior to the trip? Or was it merely an understated beauty that caught my eye while on a walk? Whatever the case, I am glad I arrived early for breakfast to enjoy a quaint meal by myself. Stepping inside the bakery felt like entering a warm country home. The smell of sugary treats warming in the oven and the sound of freshly baked bread being sliced ignited my senses.

I ordered a frothy latte. It was the perfect cup to enjoy under the tree-covered patio in the back of the café. The environment was relaxed and the sweets plentiful. The avocado toast called to me and I added serrano ham and a soft-boiled egg on the side. The large slab of bread that was placed before me was breathtaking as were the bright flavors found in the olive oil and chili on first bite. I could not believe that I was eating one of the best avocado toasts of my life ~in London. The breakfast was so good I continue to reminisce about it years later. Often it’s the simplest things like espresso, eggs, and a place filled with love that truly brings me peace. Chef Claire Ptak has clearly dedicated her life to creating warmth through the language of food, fine-tuning each recipe to the desired finish. Violet Cakes feels special and built from love.

Cinnamon buns! Brownies! Chocolate chip cookies! Mince pies! Hot crossed buns! Victoria sponge cake! Croissants! Coconut macaroons! The cases were filled with incredible treats. I enjoyed a cupcake with breakfast as these babies were really hyped and I’m a cupcake loyalist. A couple of slices of cake to go and I ensured the next 24 hours would feel like a scene in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. Happiness was achieved that day.