Getting a pastry at Sweet Life Patisserie is like getting an eclair, slice of cheesecake, or even a chocolate chip cookie made from scratch in France. Catherine Reinhart and her sister Cheryl, started their custom order bakery in 1993, converting their Whiteaker-neighborhood garage to a working kitchen. As popularity and demand for their wholesome and homemade treats soared, they opened their first sweet shop just a few blocks away on Monroe Street.

Sweet Life Patisserie not only prides itself on being 100% rBGH-free, trans-fat and hydrogenated-fat-free, fair-trade, and compostable – recyclable, it was awarded the “Sustainable Innovation in Business” award in 2011. Pastry enthusiasts, gluten-free and dairy-free included, have found their favorite sweet and savory pastries, wedding cakes, as well as organic teas and coffees. The Josephine, Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcake, Eclairs, gluten-free brownies and more are mainstays in the display case.

Wedding cakes and other custom orders are works of art and even the simplest presentations of a cupcake or a savory croissant are revered eye-popping pleasures. Morning pastries include gluten-free coffee cake, muffins, buttermilk biscuits, and cinnamon rolls. Their petite sweets are even harder to pass up with options like brownies, caramel nut bread pudding, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Popular among locals, and a good reason for repeat visits, are the monthly specials and Cloud 9 flavors.

The Reinhart’s support the local community by sourcing ingredients, many of which are organic, from local businesses and farms. Their partners include Organically Grown Cooperative, Lochmead Dairy, Coconut Bliss, Singing Dog Vanilla, Equator Coffee Company, Mountain Rose Herbs, J-Tea, and Willamette Valley Fruit company.

On the way to check out, you’ll pass shelves lined with teas, granola, fine chocolates, and a rainbow of housemade marshmallows for last minute order add-ons.

Click here to find their 2nd bakery, Sweet Life Petite. located near the U of O campus.