The French Oven (Scripps Ranch)

Here we are, back reading mmm-yoso!!! to see what food and/or adventure Kirk or Cathy has recently had.  It's Cathy's turn to write. 

Earlier this year, I was in a residential neighborhood (Avenida Magnifica, a two lane street with houses on either side) and saw a Recreation Center on the left and on my right, a small mall with a dog groomer, four pump gas station, liquor store, taco shop, a hair and nails place, dental office, pizza place and a small doctors office.  In the corner, between the dental office and hair salon is The French Oven.

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IMG_7803This is the menu of what's available in the counter.  There's also another menu board listing prices of pre-order whole items (tarts and quiches). IMG_7828 It's not large inside; two glass refrigerated cases and a glass window at eye level.  The breads available are to the right. There are some salads, fruit cups and fresh juice in the open refrigerated section just below along with bottled/canned beverages. Of course there is coffee available, in many forms. IMG_7831A (proper) nice baguette is $3. 
IMG_7831 Sweets behind the glass window.
IMG_7803Ham and cheese croissant ($4.75)
IMG_7803 Black forest ham, Gruyere and Béchamel.  Wonderful flavors on a buttery croissant. IMG_7813 There are 'egg bites' and quiches. 
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IMG_7803  The Lorraine ($6.75) includes bacon, ham, onion and Swiss.  It is quite a large serving.  The pastry is light and crumbly.  So very fresh. IMG_8284There is a selection of sandwiches on baguettes, around $8.
IMG_8284Or, if you aren't as hungry, there is a smaller sandwich on a ficelle (Similar to a baguette but thinner; 'ficelle' means 'string' in French) ($4.95).
IMG_8284 Prosciutto, Brie, arugula and fig spread.  The combination of salty, sweet, tart/bitter with the yeasty bread is just so right.    IMG_7818

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IMG_8284So many sweets to choose from.  The pear tart ($4.75) was excellent.  There's a layer of pastry cream on the crumbly crust, then the glaze and pear and nuts and a blackberry and it's all so very, very decadent. 
IMG_8284Pretty much every time I feel overwhelmed with choices, reverting back to an old favorite, the almond croissant ($4.25) will always be a choice.  

There are more items available, especially on weekends.  Tables are out in front.  Closed Monday and Tuesday.

The French Oven 10299 Scripps Trail San Diego 92131 (858) 536-8706 Open Wed-Sun 7-a.m.-3 p.m. Website  IMG_7798

12 comments

  1. Everything looked so tempting. I would have to restrain myself so I wouldn’t buy everything there, ha ha. Too bad this place is so far away, but seems worth the trip!

  2. Shoot, you found the secret bakery 🙂 I try very hard NOT to go here frequently; the almond croissants are my favorite. The bakery has been open for less than a year. BTW, the street is Avenida Magnifica.

  3. Everything is fresh and very well made, cc. Limited choices makes selection a bit easier, but we’ve never gone on a weekend (when I’ve heard there are a few more items). It’s not that far…Miramar Road exit to the right-fourth signal light and turn left.
    I never would’ve known about it, Sandy…guessing that that ‘mall’ was original to Scripps Ranch (a gas station in the middle of housing). Yes, would be there very regularly if we lived closer..nothing has been disappointing or even close to ‘I wouldn’t order it again’; such quality. (Thanks for the correction, which autocorrect decided on its own.)

  4. It’s so difficult, Kat. Have found myself driving here for one item and leaving blank a ‘variable’ to try something new.

  5. It’s *very* good, RD. The limited selection means quality in each of the items baked. (Yes, I have been to Wayfarer and there are several reasons I haven’t done a post).
    If you are in this area, do stop in, TFD. You (and the children) will like it.

  6. Hmmm cryptic. Anyway, french oven sounds and looks good and will keep an eye out for a Wayfarer review. Thanks!

  7. I meant to be more diplomatic than cryptic, RD. I think in some places you are paying for the rent and I expect more when I pay more. If it is possible, too much butter is used at Wayfarer (burned bottoms, crispy tops) and the many choices are not equal in quality…in any case, French Oven is kind of what I look for-basics done right.

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