Once the turkeys and pumpkins have been put away, it’s time for pine cones and bûches. To complete you Christmas menu, here’s a selection of bakeries and restaurants offering Bûches de Noël in Washington, D.C., most of which can be ordered up until Monday, December 23, 2024.
Fresh Baguette
This year, Fresh Baguette (which won the People’s Choice Award for best baguette in the annual competition organized by French Morning) will offer three new limited-edition flavors (Chocolate/Hazelnut, Vanilla/Salted Caramel, and Mango/Coconut) available in two formats: a medium bûche at $29.90, and a large one at $54.90. Pre-orders are strongly encouraged by the bakery, which receives numerous requests every year. Fresh Baguette now has 7 stores located in Bethesda, Georgetown, Rockville, Alexandria, and McClean, plus two new addresses opened this year. The stores will be open all day on Tuesday, December 24, and until 2pm on Wednesday, December 25. It’s easy to order online with the Fresh Baguette app or on their website. In addition, per usual, the bakery will be offering a selection of galettes des rois for Epiphany.
Addresses: Bethesda – 4919 Bethesda Avenue; Georgetown – 1737 Wisconsin Ave; Rockville – 804 Hungerford Dr; Alexandria – 1101 King Street; McClean – 6707 Old Dominion Dr. #115
Pâtisserie Poupon
Georgetown’s Pâtisserie Poupon has four flavors of bûche de Noël in store until December 31: Grand Marnier, Forêt Noire, and chocolate-hazelnut, priced from $49 to $135 depending on size (for 6, 10 or 20 people). The pastry shop also has other sweet treats like its croquembouche Christmas tree for $180! Their boutique will be open on Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24 until 5pm. In the shop, the pâtissiers have prepared individual slices for $6.95 each so customers can sample their various flavors. You can order yours online from their website. Once the Christmas season has passed, their galettes des rois will be available from Tuesday December 31, 2024, until the end of January 2025.
Address: 1645 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington D.C.
Un je ne sais Quoi…
In Dupont Circle, Un je ne sais Quoi… has also prepared a pretty collection of Christmas delights. Ranging from $38 to $58 depending on size, three bûches (Merveilleux, Mont Blanc, and Exotic) can be ordered directly from their boutique, via Instagram (link in bio), or by phone at (202) 721-0099 before 12pm on December 21. Their galettes des rois will go on sale on January 4.
Address: 1361 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington D.C.
Convivial
This year, chef Cédric Maupillier will be offering a limited-edition pear/chocolate/hazelnut-flavored bûche de Noël, available for take-away on Saturday, December 21, and Sunday, December 22, between 12pm and 4pm. The price is $38 for a 4-6 person bûche, and $72 for one that serves 10-12. Order as soon as possible on the restaurant’s website, so you don’t miss the December 15 cutoff.
Address: 801 O St NW, Washington D.C.
Boulangerie Christophe
One of France’s favorite bakeries, Boulangerie Christophe has arrived in the DMV with six different bûches. Mousse fans will have to make a difficult choice between chocolate-raspberry, mango-coconut-passion fruit, or hazelnut. More traditional are the chocolate, vanilla, and coffee bûches. Pricing ranges from $42 (for 4 to 6 people) up to $58 (for 6 to 8 people). Visit in person, or order by phone at (202) 450-6344 (D.C.) or (301) 298-9878 (Potomac). Stores will be open Tuesday, December 24 until 6pm, and Wednesday, December 25 until 3pm. And after the holidays, you’ll be able to find a selection of galettes des rois in-store.
Addresses: 1422 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington D.C.; 1132 Seven Locks Road Suite 100, Potomac
Gustave
Virginie’s Gustave bakery is not to be outdone, offering 3 bûches de Noël for your holiday table: vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio/raspberry. Priced at $52, they serve between 6 and 8 guests. Orders are accepted until December 31, directly in store, or by telephone at (571) 312-0005.
Address: 2213 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria
Tout de Sweet
In Bethesda, Jérôme Colin’s Tout de Sweet bakery offers a selection of traditional bûches, as well as more original creations for the festive season. On the traditional side, the pastry chef offers bûches with vanilla cake coated in dark chocolate, vanilla cream, or mascarpone for $49 and $73, depending on the size. For culinary explorers, the bakery offers two more sophisticated creations: a bûche with chocolate mousse mixed with calamansi cream, praline, and hazelnut Dacquoise; or, for fruity bûche lovers, a vanilla bean mousse with raspberry cream, fresh raspberries, and almond butter for $62/$77. You can place an order on their website. The bakery will also be offering traditional frangipane galettes des rois starting at $36 for Epiphany.
Address: 7831 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda
This article was originally published in French on French Morning.
