Beard Papa’s, San Francisco and South Bay
I know Beard Papa’s is nothing close to an Italian store. They are actually a Japanese chain, with a patented dough procedure and a franchise set-up. I know. However, if you’ve ever walked in an Italian pasticceria and ordered a bignè, you realize that Beard Papa takes the entire concept a step further!
Bignè are nothing more than choux pastry filled with custard and glazed- in brief, cream puffs. Typically small mignon-sized, bignè are a derivation of the French beignet, although they are not fried. Bignè are a staple of every Italian self-respecting pasticceria, but finding good ones- that’s the challenge, even in Italy!! Enter Beard Papa’s. Now, the most common comment about it coming from the Italian friends I introduced to this small joint is “I can’t believe a Japanese company makes better bignè than the Italians!”. So, that’s how Beard Papa’s has become an Italy in SF Recommended place! They claim to make the best cream puffs in the world. I have to agree!
Fresh, made-to-order bignè are a dream. The crispy dough is just right, and the custard filling is added only when you’re ready to pick yours up. Don’t let it rest in your fridge! Enjoy it while it is still crispy and the custard hasn’t mollified the dough. It’s a total treat, and although not entirely Italian, it’s an almost-Italian food experience- conveniently delivered to you downtown San Francisco, or in the few outlets in the South Bay.
Beard Papa’s
Several locations around the Bay Area
Italian bignè in a pasticceria, courtesy of Marcello
Filed under: Bakeries and Pasticcerie, San Francisco, South Bay
We’ve had Beard Papa here in Hawaii for about two years now and I think they’re great. The best part is the fillings are added when you order, so the choux pastry doesn’t get soggy.