Cafe de Paris Bakery Expands, Soon Offers Lunch

On a Sunday morning, Pozena Kloska sipped her coffee at a banquette near the door of Cafe de Paris Bakery.  She didn’t have time for her usual full breakfast. Kloska, an Indian Rocks Beach resident and a frequent customer, usually makes time for a longer visit. 

“It’s a place to get away, have a chat on everything going on,” she said. 

Kloska, who is originally from Poland said the cafe's friendly service reminds her of home. Her loyalty to the shop may also be about the pastries and quiche. 

The cafe's most popular items are the chocolate and French croissant.  “You can’t get this quality any other place,” Kloska said.

A few minutes earlier, John Ohannes and Karen Gianfranzesco, both of Tampa, enjoyed a chocolate eclair with their coffee at a table out front.  “It feels more relaxed (here). The food is delicious,” Ohannes said.  

Soon customers will have more items to choose from. After nine years in the Gulf Boulevard shopping center, the cafe is expanding its doors. In about 2-3 weeks, owner Valerie De Marchi said renovations should be complete.  In addition to soups, sandwiches, and salads, crepes will be on the menu. 

“It’s gonna be all fresh and homemade,” Valerie De Marchi said.

Also in the plans: a feeling of coziness. 

“We wanted to create something roomy and comfortable,” said De Marchi.  Black leather chairs are nestled in the back of the cafe, just under a flat screen TV that broadcasts French news and shows.

However, comparisons to chain coffee shops just can’t be made, according to De Marchi.  “We are not the same,” she said.  Valerie and Xavier, her husband of 20 years, moved to Indian Rocks Beach after a vacation in the area. 

“I like it.  That’s why we came here,” Valerie said. 

Before moving, they owned a bakery in the south of France for 10 years. Xavier does the baking, but Valerie said she’s no stranger to the kitchen.  She said, “I learn from him... the hard way too!” 

Many of their customers return year after year when they come to the area on vacation.  Other locals find their way in too, many by the beach access next door.  On this Sunday morning, a barefoot and bikini-clad woman spent several minutes picking out pastries, coffee and other goodies to go.

Valerie is proud to say that more than one couple that met in the cafe ended up married.   The latest couple to tie the knot after meeting there is set to marry next month. 

Their wedding cake?  From Cafe De Paris.