Out to eat in Sioux Falls: Delectable desserts at CH Patisserie

CH Patisserie’s clean white exterior invites pedestrians into a simple Parisian-style pastry shop. 

White walls, elegant trim, exposed brick, marble countertops, sleek wooden tables, burgundy booths and fresh lighting give the pastry shop a modern feel while still maintaining the building’s old-timey architectural charm. 

World champion pastry chef Chris Hanmer opened CH Patisserie in 2013 and brought macaroons, croissants and other world-class confections with him to downtown Sioux Falls. 

Because of the accolades awarded to Hamner, people might find themselves afraid that the purchase of any pastry or macaroon could send their wallet weeping. Surprisingly, most indulgences on the menu are fairly priced. 

Despite these prices, CH Patisserie does mimic the French in its unstated fashion standards. While the workers are friendly, the shop feels like it has a pretentious expectation of business casual attire, which can be intimidating for anyone who isn’t aware of the unwritten dress code. 

However, the macaroons are the first to greet customers anyway, and these friendly desserts make up for any judgmental glances one might encounter if they decide to show up in sweats. Multi-colored macaroons fill the front case with flavors ranging from cake frosting, coffee caramel, strawberry cheesecake and more.

While the macaroons' light consistency is not filling to the stomach, they fill one's taste buds with delight. These dainty cookies are pricier, yet the potential serotonin boost makes up for the $2.25 cost. 

Other popular choices on the menu are more reasonably priced than the macaroons. For example, a large-in-size classic croissant is $3.85, the chocolate croissant is $4.25, and the Brioche au Caramel is $4. The heartier choice of a quiche is a bit more expensive at $5.85 but is offered as gluten free or gluten filled. The delightful beignets help round out the menu and are priced at $2.85. 

Hamner also offers more specialized and larger desserts, such as La Framboise, a flourless cake containing white chocolate mousse, raspberry jam and chocolate crémeux. This particular treat looks more like a work of art than a dessert, yet its half sphere shape is oddly enticing. Although it’s priced at $25, it has the potential to feed 4-6 individuals. 

The Getaway is another fancier dessert offered at $7. The treat is a tropical themed coconut lime cake with vanilla bean, white chocolate mousse and exotic crémeux. This particular dessert is an adventure, as customers have no idea what to expect upon biting into the flavorful sweet. The thin chocolate outer shell combined with the creamy vanilla inner create an irresistible combination. 

The presentation of The Getaway is also quite appealing. The treat features a chocolate shelled half sphere with a paper umbrella, whipped cream dollops, golden specks and a dropper that can be squeezed to increase the amount of nectarine flavor within the cake. While this may sound over the top, the simplicity of the vanilla cream balances out the other exotic flavors, making the dessert delightful.

There are other petite gateaux, or small cakes, on the menu as well. These $7 cakes are mousse pastries with varying flavors and appearances. Similar to the other desserts on the menu, these cake flavors rotate as the chefs come up with new ideas. Pumpkin cheesecake, Café au Late and Chocolate Dream were available on an October Saturday. 

In addition to dessert, CH Patisserie offers comforting hot or iced beverages. Creamy French hot chocolate, salted caramel lattes, cappuccinos and more await customers looking to pair their desserts with a beverage. 

However, the beverages can be enjoyed just as well by themselves. These drinks provide customers the opportunity to linger longer in the pleasant atmosphere of the shop. 

While sitting in the shop to enjoy a treat on the weekend, one will see a continuous stream of visitors popping into CH Patisserie. 

Some sit at booths with bags from other stores they have been shopping at. Some enjoy a coffee and croissant while catching up with an old friend. Some wiggle nervously, clearly on their first date. Others keep to themselves, working on homework and enjoying the relaxing jazz music playing over the shop’s speakers. 

CH Patisserie offers Sioux Falls residents a glimpse into the world of Parisian cafes. Hamner and his friendly midwestern staff bring the gourmet to downtown, offering South Dakotans tastes beyond their geographical limits.