Leslie's Pastries — Restaurant in Holladay

As a teenager growing up in Holladay, Utah, Leslie's French Pastries is a foundational memory and cherished experience, in their first location near the Pharmacy. My dad Gus loved stopping in to bring home delicious treats when Alec and Betty were first running the show. Their wonderful honeyboys became an anticipated part of our home Christmas celebrations, as we looked forward to finding one tucked into our stockings on Christmas morning. The almond rings were featured at every holiday gathering, and also at our New Year's Day brunches. As a college student, I had the lucky chance to help during the seasonal busy times. We have shared these traditions with our children, and most recently grandchildren. As Bill and his wife took over and carried on the legacy - and moved to their cute new location - we have loved our continued association and ability to purchase and enjoy their wonderous creations - sausage rolls, rum balls, cream cheese Danish (to die for!!!). A few years ago the niggling feeling began that this might not continue forward forever, and now we know the family's ownership will be ending by month's end. Our hearts celebrate as we wish the Leslies a happy retirement - enjoy the morning sleeping in!!! Crossing fingers and saying prayers that if there is a new ownership, things won't...

I was so sad when I learned Glaus bakery in Sugarhouse closed few years ago, taking their chocolate rum pineapple cake with them. I recently discovered Leslie's and was excited to see they also offer chocolate rum pineapple cake, so decided to give them a try.

First, the girls at the counter were very friendly and helpful.

The pastry was pretty good, though there was something about it that felt not fully satisfying to me. I haven't been able to pinpoint it: It seemed a bit dry? I'm not sure if that was the cake itself needed to be more dense, or if it needed more filling. Or it may have been the chocolate sprinkles. The buttercream frosting was lovely.

I also can't pass up a mint brownie, and found Leslie's to be very good. The mint frosting was creamy and not overly minty, and the chocolate ganache layer was a nice finish.

I'll probably come back for another sometime and (and to try...

I am disheartened to write this post. Recently moved here and was excited to have a French pastry shop close by, unfortunately I found very little about it to feel French. Aside from the macarons and eclairs there weren’t any French pastries to be found. Danishes yes, but those are not French. There was one named “French pastry” but it was sucré à mort and was not a reflection of any actual French pastries.

Some simple requirements for a French pastry shop would be croissants, pains au chocolat, fruit tarts and millefeuilles. They did have a Napoleon which I think is supposed to represent a millefeuille, but the top layer was thick and hard like a rock, could hardly bite through it.

With all that said, the food still tasted okay and is a fun change from the typical donut and coffee shops we have around here, it just felt very far from...