Meet Khalid Kaskou, Owner of Redmond's Forthcoming French Bakery

Editor's Note: Patch blogger and local baker Kimm Moore recently tipped us off to a new French bakery that is set to open in Redmond's Bella Bottega shopping center this fall. Rendez-Vous Bakery will occupy approximately 1,400 square feet and offer pastries, sandwiches and other items for breakfast and lunch. What follows is Moore's interview with Rendez-Vous owner Khalid Kaskou, a baker with 16 years of experience who recently relocated here from Paris.

I recently met Khalid Kaskou on Twitter. (Yes, Twitter!) Khalid is planning on opening “Le Rendez-Vous” Bakery this fall in Redmond. I always love try new bakeries. Check out my interview below:

1) Tell me about your bakery. What items does it sell?
“Le Rendez-Vous” will be serving French pastries, breads, croissants and sandwiches. The aim is to offer a friendly and European style place in Redmond. Our commitment is to provide a unique meeting place for your friendly or professional needs. You will find in our menu, daily fresh organic breads and pastries, also, fruits tarts, sandwiches, Croque monsieur, quiches, soups with a delightful organic coffee and juices … everything you need for your healthy breakfast and lunch ... and brunch!

2) What made you want to start a bakery, here in Redmond?
Actually, while I was learning more and more about the Eastside, I got more and more confident in the fact that Redmond deserves something different that another Starbucks or Tully’s. People in Redmond are coming from different areas all around the country … and the world. They are definitely open minded and willing to try and taste different types of food. I really want to give them an opportunity to have a piece of France close by them.

3) What advice would you give to someone who wants to open their own bakery?
My father was a baker; I learned everything from him, especially how difficult a baker/manager’s life is. If you want to start your own bakery be aware of that! I am not the guy who woke up one morning telling himself: ”Hey! Let’s do some cooking for living!!”

It’s always exiting to be your own boss and doing something you love to, but still, it’s a lot of pressure and responsibilities. If you feel ready for that, then just find the best location you can; good partners are also a great addition to your business. But the most important thing to me, is to make sure that you know precisely what kind of experience you want give to your customers. Then you will be able to figure out your menu, surroundings and any other details that are going to make your place special.

4) What is your favorite baked sweet treat?
That’s a tricky question. I’ll say chocolate éclair—I know it’s not the healthiest one but we all have to deal with our weakness point, right?

5) When does the bakery open???
Not fast enough to me. Actually, the target is October. Everyone will be able to follow us on Twitter and Facebook in our journey to day one! Hope to see you soon at Bella Bottega.