Champagne French Bakery Cafe

I am a proud coffee addict.  When I travel, the museums and other tourist attractions take second place to my search for the ultimate latte (or at least, I enjoy them more with coffee in hand).  When I pick the best latte in and around Tustin, you can be sure that determination was made after much world-wide research.

Now, it must be recognized that the taste for coffee is very personal.  It is anticipated that the next great schism in this country will arise between those who prefer Starbucks versus those who go for the darker brews at Dietrich's.  With that said, there is clearly some fundamental agreement on what constitutes a good cup of coffee.  Only a Philistine would contend that a cup of coffee at McDonalds occupies the same tier as even the coffee you make at home, let alone what you will find at a dedicated coffee establishment.  (Although McDonalds coffee has gotten much better as they try to take away some of Starbuck's market share.  I especially like the iced regular coffee.)

After 15 years of sampling the many caffeine delivery systems around our burb (and the many sleepless nights from all that research), the best coffee was discovered at the Champagne French Bakery Cafe at the corner of Irvine Blvd. and Central Park Ave.  This little, out of the way cafe has a real following of loyal customers who have discovered the great coffee along with the delicious entrees, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts.  Recently introduced are the "flatbreads."  Any place else would call them pizzas, but this is a French Bakery so there will be none of that.  Whatever you call them, they are a great, reasonably sized dinner entree that won't leave you guilt ridden like an actual pizza.  There is a breakfast flatbread that, once you try it, will institute a new Sunday morning tradition in your family.

The coffee and lattes are consistently good there, but if you want a real treat, ask if Madison is working.  If you don't mind a little sweetness to your latte (a little sweetness, not some frappacappa nonsense), Madison will whip up her "Madison Special."  It's the best latte this side of Mt. Olympus.

Champagne French Bakery Cafe

3901 Irvine Blvd. (corner of Irvine Blvd. and Central Park Ave.)

Irvine, CA 92602

(714) 573-4667

Sun-Wed: 6.30am - 8:00pm

Fri-Sat: 6:30am - 9:00pm

(The hours change frequently, so call if you are headed over right before closing.)

-- Tustin Magazine Secret Shopper