Cafe Madeleine Set to Open in the South End

Frederic Robert, a James Beard award winning pastry chef, is preparing to open Café Madeleine in the space formerly occupied by Amsterdam Cafe in the South End. Robert, who worked alongside legendary French chef Alain Ducasse for over 25 years, will bake his signature croissants and macarons that have made him famous in Paris, Monaco, London, Tokyo, New York and Las Vegas. His business partner in the enterprise is pastry chef Hana Quon who formerly worked under Robert as sous chef at PB Boulangerie & Bistro in Wellfleet.

The Café Madeleine menu will feature a number of croissants, madeleines, éclairs, and a changing selection of macarons, such as raspberry, vanilla, and hazelnut. Also on display will be Robert’s “signature” chocolate cake, composed of chocolate cake layers, chocolate mousse, and hazelnut gianduja. All pastries will be made from scratch on site daily using only fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

A small lunch menu will be composed of salads, sandwiches and French specialties like quiche Lorraine and croque monsieur. The coffee bar will serve La Colombe Coffee Torrefaction beans, a roaster based in Philadelphia. Other non-coffee beverages will include fresh-squeezed orange juice, sparkling water, and imported Allain Milliat fruit juices from France.

EMBARC Studio designed the space with its ivory, gunmetal grey, and black color scheme. All the pastries will be displayed on white marble in glass showcases imported from Italy. Café Madeleine will have six counter seats inside, and eventually, outdoor seating. Robert anticipates opening within the next two weeks, after which Café Madeleine will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cafe Madeleine Menu

517 Columbus Ave., Boston; 857-239-8052.