There is, in Calgary, a colourful little house that is bursting with history. It was built in the early 1900's and spent some time as a family home. Later, it housed a few professional businesses. When Yann and Jeraldine laid eyes on it in 2006, they knew they found the perfect home for their business: a quaint and authentic French pastry boutique. Yann Haute Patisserie opened in this house in 2009 and has been delighting Calgarians with French pastry ever since.

"We felt the Calgary market was ready to add the same French pastry concept I grew up in," says Yann Blanchard, co-owner and pastry chef, of the decision to bring the brand to market.

He was right. We just can't get enough of the cakes, macarons, petit gateaux, wedding cakes and more. But it's not just the pastry that is as beautiful as it is delicious that makes Yann Haute Patisserie such a success.

"We never deviate from our core values, which are ownership (being invested and accountable), customer care (care for our customers with the same level of care we want to receive), innovation (being creative engaged and challenging ourselves), high quality and consistency (providing top quality at all times), and fun (enjoying the work)," informs Yann. "I trust my gut because if it doesn't feel right, there is always a good reason why."

The pastry shop was the first to bring authentic made-in-house macarons to Calgary.

"Our macarons really are our best seller as well as our croissant, and the reason why is we do not spare on quality. If we say it is chocolate, it is actually chocolate and not just cocoa powder. It's the same with our butter croissant. We use actual ingredients and do not cheat or cut back. I think our customers can taste the difference. My personal favorite right now is the exotic (guava coconut passion) dark chocolate wafer that is 62 per cent single origin from Brazil. It is super thin, super flavourful, and to die for! With the addition of Berlingo and products such as chocolates and ice cream, we want to become a destination for artisanal pastries in Calgary with quality products all handcrafted right here in our kitchen," says Yann.

It's no secret that Calgary has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride politically and economically, but Yann stays optimistic, as is important for any entrepreneur.

"When it comes to adapting to Calgary's changes and challenges, I would say it is a work in progress," he admits, then adds, "Calgary is a large city with a small town feel. I love its proximity to nature and friendliness of citizens. Calgary never ceases to surprise me, so we keep creating products that we hope will continue to pleasantly surprise our customers."

Giving back is very important to Yann Haute Patisserie. The pastry chef explains, "We bring food to different shelters and associations. We hold fundraiser for veterans, and Mealshare, and donate to other associations as well. We also take part in the neighborhood day in Mission, which is a great party to attend. It started after the 2013 flood and celebrates the resilience and collectiveness of Calgarians."

Yann Haute Patisserie has some sweet surprises coming your way this summer.

"We are just about to complete our chocolate collection, and our ice cream," hints Yann.

This year Yann Haute Patisserie won a local award for having the best hot chocolate in Calgary. In 2017, Yann was inducted into Relais Desserts; the only pastry chef to receive the honour in Canada. Yann is also a Top 40 under 40 winner.

Experience the magic by visiting yannboutique.com, and be tempted by their delectable desserts by following them on social media (IG @yannhautepatisserie).