French Pastries in Tacoma: Abeille Baking

I may have never been this excited to write a post.

You are reading the title right: there are gorgeous, authentic French pastries in Tacoma, thanks to Abeille Baking and Bianca Sanders.

I almost could not believe my eyes when I saw her and husband Casey Beach at last week’s 6th Avenue Farmers Market. There were their smiling faces behind a table of colorful macarons, pistachio tortes, kouign amann and an (unfortunately) sold-out tray of canelés. Once again, you read that right – canelés.

When I lived in Seattle, these were rare sites, much less in Tacoma, where I was starting to wonder if these French pâtisseries would ever find their way to our part of the state.

Abeille, which means “bee” in French, stems from Bianca’s nickname, “B”. “It’s simple, it’s elegant, it’s approachable…which I guess describes my philosophy on food and what I strive to do,” she said.  “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, just make really delicious things and see people be happy.”

Sounds like the right idea.

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A Guide to South Sound Farmers Markets

After a long winter, it’s finally farmer’s market season again! The South Sound has plenty of farmers markets on various days of the week to keep you stocked with local produce, meats and goods.

Each market has a different feel, vendors and start and end dates, so be sure to check with them to find what you’re looking for.

  • Proctor Farmers Market
    Season: March 30-December 21, plus select winter market dates
    Day and time: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Location: N. 27th and Proctor Street, Tacoma
  • South Tacoma Farmers Market
    Season: April-September
    Day and time: Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Location: STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th Street, Tacoma
  • Gig Harbor Farmers Market
    Season: April-September
    Day and time: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Location: Uptown Gig Harbor parking lot
  • Puyallup Farmers Market
    Season: April 13-October 12
    Day and time: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Location: 330 South Meridian, Puyallup
  • Olympia Farmers Market
    Season: April-October
    Day and time: Thursdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Location: 700 North Capitol Way, Olympia
  • Tacoma 6th Avenue Farmers Market
    Season: May-September. Opens May 7, 2013.
    Day and time: Tuesdays, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
    Location: 6th Avenue and North Pine Street, Tacoma
  • Tacoma Broadway Farmers Market
    Season: May-October. Opens May 2, 2013.
    Day and time: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Location:  South 9th and Broadway, Tacoma
  • Steilacoom Farmers Market
    Season: June 12-August 28
    Day and time: Wednesdays, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
    Location: Downtown Steilacoom on the corner of LaFayette and Wilkes Street
  • Tumwater Farmers Market
    Season: June 5-October 30
    Day and time:
    Location: On the southwest corner of Israel Road and Capitol Boulevard in Tumwater