A new bakery + coffee shop is in town!

Have you heard of University Park, Texas? It's a lovely city located just east of Dallas Love Field Airport. The locals there sure know how to enjoy good food and good company. So, I was excited when I got a notification from my Nextdoor app about a new bakery and coffee shop in the area. It's located at 4314 Lovers Lane, across from Highland Park Highschool and Petco. It's worth checking out!

Yesterday, I drove to this new, small business, and unfortunately, the doors were closed, and I assumed it wasn't open yet. But then, like a ray of sunshine, the owner, Alison Weinstein, popped her head out from the kitchen doors to greet me with a friendly smile. She explained they were having a 'soft opening' this week and would open the next day along with their grand opening this Saturday, May 6, from 8 am to 4 pm. Despite this, Alison kindly offered me a quick tour of the place. I was overjoyed and couldn't resist taking her up on the offer. My first impression of this place was nothing short of delightful.

I'm a creative director who appreciates visually appealing and intriguing designs without being overly assertive. The back walls behind the counter have beautiful, classic subway tiles with an uneven, shiny finish. The kitchen, where the magic happens, is divided by a counter-to-ceiling glass window. Chef Jill Bates and Chef Michael Laiskonis and their staff create delicious pastries displayed behind a glass showcase in this space. I will provide more details about these delectable treats later in my review. I also appreciate the use of good typography in a sophisticated way. Upon entering, you will see the phrases "Kinda Salty, kinda sweet" and "You Bake Me Happy" on a large mirror beside the barista. The font used is a simple, neutral gender sans-serif that appeals to everyone. The brand's colors, sage green, and off-white, with a hint of gold, all complement each other well. The interior designer focused on textures, such as the marble-like countertops and graphic floral floor tile. The art of "less is more" is the best way to describe their decor.

Alison took me on an impromptu tour and showed me their small courtyard in the back, which used to be a parking lot. They cleverly transformed this space into an outdoor area for customers to enjoy the fresh air while indulging in baked goods and barista beverages.

After sending off a few work emails at the last minute, I decided to stop by this cute new bakery. First, everyone greeted me with a smile. And then Alison came out from the back with a warm, fresh tray of baked goods and recognized me. Sugar and Sage isn't just about their new, baked pastries and coffee but the experience.

I have to say, those pastries were absolutely scrumptious! I decided to go with the chocolate croissant, and Alison told me that was the way to go. She was right! I couldn't get enough of it. I even asked Alison which baked goods were the most popular, and she told me the Kouign-Amann and Chocolate Croissants were flying off the shelves. Have you tried Kouign-Amann before? It's a traditional Breton cake made with laminated dough, layers of butter, and sugar. Think of it like a puff pastry with a sweet twist and a "gooey center." The ones they make at this bakery are medium-bite-sized and perfect for a little treat.

I couldn't resist trying their cold brew coffee, and boy, was it a treat! The flavor was so rich and freshly roasted that I couldn't get enough. Well, of course! They use national award-winning micro-roastery and coffee lab, Noble Coyote, located in the expo park in Dallas. What caught my eye, though, was their state-of-the-art barista machine. Made by Aremde and customized in a classic, muted gold to match their brand, it was a real beauty. I even noticed their logo was inscribed on it, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Alison told me a little secret: her bakery is the only one in the Dallas area with an Aremde machine. Their investment in this industrial workhorse of a barista machine really paid off - it made one heck of a cup of java!

I had the pleasure of spending a glorious couple of hours at this fantastic new establishment. So, if you find yourself in this neck of the woods, swing by Sugar & Sage and indulge in their delectable pastries and aromatic coffee while immersing yourself in the unforgettable ambiance.

Walter AfallaSugar & Sage Bakery + CoffeeHighland Park, Texas, Sugar & Sage Bakery + Coffee, Lovers Lane Bakery, Alison Weinstein, Aremde Coffee, Noble Coyote CoffeeComment