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A new Idylwood bakery is serving fresh baguettes, croissants and delicate French pastries from an open kitchen designed to evoke the experience of a Parisian cafe.
Beau Jour De Ma Vie began its soft opening Feb. 28 and March 1, inviting visitors to sample croissants, tarts and other pastries at no charge. Owner Adel Kebaish said the opening was intended to gather feedback while welcoming friends and community members into the space.
The bakery and cafe occupies a commercial building owned by Kebaish at 7787 Leesburg Pike. His daughter, Samara, developed the concept after changing course from music to baking.
Samara studied music at the Juilliard School in New York City and tried writing music for films before beginning work as a baker in Montreal, where her mother is from. After retiring from a 40-year career as an orthopedic surgeon, Kebaish offered his daughter space and support to establish her French-style bakery in Northern Virginia.
Samara directed every part of the cafe’s design, including its custom furniture, artwork, logo and wall colors. She envisioned a welcoming place where customers could work, talk or simply spend time together.
An open kitchen gives visitors a view of the bakers at work and could eventually be used for classes. The team makes its food fresh each day, beginning bread and croissants at 5 a.m. before turning to eclairs, macarons, tarts and other delicate items around 11 a.m.
Kebaish said nothing is brought in frozen, adding that the aroma of newly baked food helps distinguish the cafe. Baguettes and croissants have emerged as early customer favorites.
The bakery’s name translates to “a beautiful day in my life.” Kebaish said the initial response from visitors has been very positive.
The current menu centers on French pastries, including croissants and eclairs, along with cakes and savory lunch sandwiches. The bakery plans to add more items, potentially including sourdough requested by customers and Italian desserts such as cannoli. Its baking team includes an Italian chef.
Longer-term plans include offering French cuisine on weekends. Samara is also considering using the building’s high-ceilinged basement as a venue for meetings, weddings and other special events.
Beau Jour De Ma Vie is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, until 9 p.m. on Saturdays and until 7 p.m. on Sundays.
For Kebaish, the bakery has already delivered an unexpected personal moment: He happened to reconnect there with a friend from Korea whom he had not seen in 40 years. He said meeting customers, talking with families and watching children choose treats have made the new venture rewarding.