From Pecan Pie to Parties: Michelina’s European Pastry Shoppe Has it All

Michelina's of Wilton is a European Pastry Shoppe like you'd find in the old country. Sip an espresso with your almond horn and chat with the regulars at this charming café that recalls the laid-back pace of Europe.

Co-owners Michelle Palanzo and Nuno Cordeiro opened the doors in 2002 and have been busy since. In-the-know Wiltonians stop in for the daily homemade bread selections including oat bran, challah, fresh baguettes, country rustic and 6-grain selections posted on the chalkboard.

The bakery also does a brisk trade in parties, sometimes booking as many as six of the popular events in one weekend. They cater to anyone over four-years-old and the partygoers can roll up their sleeves, don a toque (or white chef's hat) and bake cookies, cake or pizza in the kitchen with Michelina's professional bakers. The parties work for adults as well– Michelina's is happy to swap the milk for wine and afternoons for evenings.

At this time of year it's seasonal baked goods that get most of the attention and this café shines there as well. They are well-known for their authentic German Stollen. Palanzo knows you can buy Stollen at the grocery stores but insists that hers is a class apart.  

"You can't get this quality anywhere else," she said.

Michelina's also has Christmas cookies, Yule logs and custom handmade gingerbread houses outfitted with family names– last year they even built a gingerbread cathedral for a customer.

Palanzo admitted that the cookies are the biggest holiday seller. And it's easy to pick up a platter if you forgot a last minute gift.

At Easter, it's the seasonal hot cross buns and Easter bread that have the customers lining up.

"Each holiday has its own niche thing that we do," said Palanzo. And, of course, they are well-known for their glorious and towering wedding cakes in styles ranging from traditional buttercreams to more cutting edge varieties.

When it's not a holiday and you just feel like treating yourself; stop in and accompany your cookie, Danish, or muffin with the café's full range of coffees, teas and espresso drinks.

The café oozes old world flavor from the lacy half-curtains in the windows to the old timey font of their logo and laid-back smiles of employees who seem to know many of the customers by face and regular order.

Michelina's is at 126 Old Ridgefield Rd. Call them at 203-834-2253 or log onto www.michelinasbakery.com