A delicious visit to Sucré. Don’t you wish there was a “taste” button on your computer screen?
Sucré
When I began planning my travels to New Orleans I knew that I would not be leaving without a visit to Sucré, the famed bakery that has been featured in countless magazines, travel guides, and news stories.
I adored the pale mint walls.
Chef Hanna was born in Nigeria and attended boarding school in England.
Upon moving to the Detroit area to study architecture, he instead fell into culinary school.
After completing his studies, Hanna worked as a breakfast cook in a diner where he attempted to keep the waitresses happy. He then tried the graveyard shift at a Dunkin Donuts for six months simply because he liked donuts. After that, he owned and operated his own gourmet shop, Northville Gourmet, for five years.
Other jobs came and went. He also became involved in several competitions with the Food Network and the American Culinary Federation.
During this time he met his future wife, Jennifer. The mere mention of her name brought a crystallized gleam to his eye that was lovely to see. Jennifer loved the Big Easy and passed on her love to Tariq. The two eventually married in New Orleans prior to Katrina.
A Devasting Hurricane
The devastating hurricane could not dampen their love and enthusiasm for the city. A meeting made of true kismet occurred when Hanna met his business partner, Joel Dondis. Within a short amount of time, everything was put on the line and the two decided to open Sucré. Hanna left a well-paying job in Detroit for a future filled with unknowns in a city, that five years later, is still in the midst of recovery.
It appears to be a sweet gamble that has paid off. Sucré has become well known for its magnificent desserts, handcrafted chocolates and of course the French macaron. The shop believes in the concept of sustainable baking~meaning that they try to use regional ingredients from farmers and businesses in the New Orleans area.
Chef Hanna subscribes to the Stan Lee notion that “With great power, comes great responsibility”. While he receives great joy in the happy faces of his customers, he also has the desire to give back. He often can be found in classrooms sharing his knowledge and love of pastry, as well as donating his time to several fundraising efforts. Pictured below is his French bulldog, aptly named Bon Bon, during a fundraiser for the SPCA. His other dog is named after a well-loved British comedian, which provides a glimpse of his sense of humor.
He credits his parents for instilling in him the admirable traits and characteristics of which he possesses.
I hope that you have enjoyed this installation of my ongoing tour of New Orleans. It is a vibrant city full of culinary and visionary experiences that should not be missed.
Bon Appétit!
Laura
Fabulous Laura…
Simply fabulous!
and I soooo enjoyed touring New Orleans with you.
Your taste buds must have been in Heaven!
Wonderful tour!
Thank You!!!!!!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings…
I watched Julia everyday in black and white when my kids were little.
I would take notes and then once in a while, try the recipe.
great post … and I was hungry, too
I remember seeing him on various shows & every time they'd mention his Detroit connection, my heart would sing! Detroit is a great place, even if it's a little rough around the edges. I've been really enjoying your tour around New Orleans, we've been talking about talking the whole family down to visit one day. It's a strong place with so much beauty.
What a touching story Laura!!! TFS this!!!! And YEP!!! I wish there was a 'taste' button on my screen! LOL! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Hi Laura! 🙂 This post made my mouth water….made me want chocolate or a cookie. I settled for a strawberry yogurt..I'm trying to be good. 🙂 That is one lovely looking store…all bright and airy and I bet it smells better than it looks! lol
Looks like your trip was wonderful and fun. 🙂
Have a blessed day
Missy 🙂
The most delicious post of the day!!!
I absolutely enjoyed catching up with your posts, this morning. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for this lovely post. What a talented chef indeed!!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Hi Laura!! OH, what a wonderful place. I haven't been there and the goodies look wonderful. I'd almost settle for one of the gorgeous boxes!! When you say Hanna, I think of Hanna Barbara – cartoons! Makes me smile. Mr. Hanna looks like a great guy and there's no question that pretty lady at his side is most fabulous! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
shelia 😉
Yes. To answer your question, I do, indeed, wish there was a taste button. Wow! Those look amazing!
I'm starting to feel like I've never been to New Orleans at all and I have actually been several times. You make me want to go back and see all these little gems. I'm dying to know his favorite dessert AND I'm dying to get my hands on that tower of macarons!
What a fabulous trip you had. I have never been to New Orleans, but the food appeals to me! And those sugar treats…yum!
Mouthwatering gorgeous desserts!
You are killing me with all this scrumptious food blogging. Sucre is worthy of each sweet word posted and the king of King Cakes.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Oh Laura..
I am so loving this extended tour of New Orleans..am not ready for it to end..
and the treats..uuuuumm!!
please keep on sharing your beautiful words, photos and experiences!
I for one am just loving it all!!
hugs!
Loui♥
Yummy Yummy. You had a great trip.
Yhanks for stopping by my blog. Thanks for the prayers. She is a tough cookie in many ways. She refuses to be “old”. So sad as all of her friends are passing on as her brother and sister. She keeps on plugging. She is doing volunteer work today at the hospital.
108 degrees…..how do you do it. We had over 90 with a higher heat index but 108 that is unbelievable. Take care in that heat.
You've had such a wonderful opportunity to connect with the true heart of New Orleans, I've been enjoying each post, but this one is really “sweet”!!
xo,
Debra
Fun Post! I mean Sweet Post! he he he
I love beautiful bakeries. Beauty and food just go together!
~Liz
Too pretty to eat…. I take that back.
yeah, i tried to lick my computer screen, but no taste… JUST KIDDING. what amazing desserts!
How fun! Next time I am in the area I will look up this delectable place.
I love this store. The chocolate is so good and it's just so pretty. I'm glad you got to discover this.