Bakerie & Latte Chateau Arme — Restaurant in Folsom

Posted in Folsom Telegraph Nov 6, 2013

As early as 3:30 every morning, the aroma of freshly baked pastries and breads and coffee wafts through the air at the Bakerie & Latte Chateau Arme on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills. For 20 years, owner Helen Rostami’s day begins hours before her customers begin to stream into the bakery for a scone and coffee before work and ends 11 hours later. The motto of her bakery is “Experience the Difference.”

What’s the reason you started the restaurant?

I opened this restaurant 20 years ago because after I took quite a bit of time off from my previous job when I had breast cancer, I couldn’t go back to it but wanted to continue baking. When I opened the place, I was the only bakery and coffee house in the area.

Does the name “Chateau Arme” mean something?

The word “chateau” is French for house and Arme comes from Armenian as I was born in Armenia and moved here in 1990. Together, the words mean “Armenian House.”

What were you doing earlier?

I worked for Cliff House of Folsom for four years and was the pastry chef. Prior to that I worked for hotels and restaurants for many years in Minneapolis, one of which was the Whitney Hotel where Michael Jackson and the president of Russia stayed when I was working there.

What formal job training have you had?

None. All my training has been on the job. When I was a little girl I used to bake a lot with my aunt.

What sets your bakery apart from your competition?

People know the difference. Nothing here is artificial. I use high quality ingredients. We just started serving breakfast on the weekends and have a choice of eight varieties of coffees. Our breads for our sandwiches are baked here and I make a different soup daily. We have Flavor Burst ice cream which is very popular. People call this place a home away from home.

What is your biggest seller?

The scones, cinnamon and caramel pecan rolls and wheat bread are all very popular. We have eight different varieties of scones, five different cookies and both regular and low-fat muffins. Over Christmas, we will have the Yule logs which the customers love.

What do you like most about your job?

I’m my own boss and can set my own schedule. My customers make me want to get up in the morning. They love what I do and make me love what I do. The customers are turning out to be a big family for me. I see many of the same people on a daily basis. I have the biggest family anyone can have and I really enjoy that.

Have you won any awards?

I’ve only entered one competition in El Dorado Hills. My dessert won the competition in 1993. Style Magazine readers also chose my place this year as the best bakery in the area.

Have you taken any time off from work?

I work 11 hours a day seven days a week. In 20 years, I haven’t had a vacation. My last vacation was to Hawaii. The only time I take off is when I’m sick or need to take care of my husband. Two years ago, he had open heart surgery. When I’m off, my daughter manages the place.

What are you happiest about?

I’m happy with everything that’s going well and my business is growing. I’m in a good state of my mind. I’ve gone through cancer twice – breast cancer 20 years ago and uterine cancer four years ago – but am healthy now. I’m happy to see that my kids are doing well, too.

What causes are you passionate about?

I donate to Mayo Clinic. I also help the homeless in Sacramento by giving what’s left of my baked goods that haven’t sold. Pastors from Folsom pick up the food from here. Every year, I donate food for the fire fighters wine tasting event.

Tell us about your family.

I got married when I was 19. I have a son and daughter. My daughter helps me here and is a good baker. My son works for SMUD. I’ve got five grandchildren from ages 5 through 18.

If you weren’t baking, what would you be doing?

I used to sew and design dresses including bridal dresses. I love to sew but don’t...

I have lived in El Dorado Hills for 19 years and this is the best bakery I have been to besides some in Paris.... Literally. I go here at least 3 times a week to get the breakfast panini, oat raspberry muffin, low fat blueberry muffin or all three at once. There is more than just baked goods here too... the sandwiches are to die for as well as the pasta salad that comes with it. Please, do yourself a favor and try any of the aforementioned items.

It feels like a small town bakery with very fresh and local ingredients. I wonderful departure from nasty, over-preserved, service-less Starbucks across the street. I was afraid that Starbucks would take away from Chateau's clientele but it seems that delicious and fresh food has prevailed!

Best bakery in the greater Sacramento area. Helen makes fresh baked goods with a Parisian/Armenian flare (hence the "arme" in the name). Great service, great food, great atmosphere.

Was...

Unbelievable delicious!! Fresh croissants, cinnamon rolls and other pastries. The lunch menu looks good and healthy, and SERVING SOUPS made from scratch. The portions are good and will satisfy you.

The owners are super lovely, attentive and very kind.

Looking for GOOD COFFEE and good pastry or panini?! This is the place. And if you ask a cappuccino, let her add the bit of chocolate, it’ll be fantastic.

All over is a 10/5 stars! Smells fresh and taste even better.

She made a nice dessert that has not been done in 8 months. There are still some slices left (12/2/23). The picture of the dessert is...