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.

University of Oregon students have a sweet life thanks to co-owners Cheryl and Catherine Reinhart. Situated a few short blocks from campus, Sweet Life Petite is the boutique second location of the sisters’ longtime mothership, Sweet Life Patisserie, on Monroe St.  Dessert hounds are greeted daily by an impressive display of seasonal, scratch-made sugary cakes, tarts, pies, mini-sweets, and savories, such as quiche. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are staples on the menu and their house-made granola, pastel marshmallows, chocolates and teas are popular grab-and-go treats.

The Reinhart sisters began their business creating custom cakes and their Facebook album proves the creativity of their customers and bakers that has lasted more than 20 years. Whimsical sculptural designs are edible fantasies for every kid at heart.

Sustainability is key to the bakery’s operation. They keep their footprint low by sourcing from local partners, including Mountain Rose Herbs, Lochmead Dairy, and Groundwork Organics. Everything sold in the shop is 100% rBGH-free, trans-fat and hydrogenated-fat-free.

Check out their other location, Sweet Life Patisserie.

At Buttercloud Bakery & Cafe, an artisan bakery and restaurant co-owned by Ellen and Gibson Holub, the focus is on scratch-made food using high-quality ingredients. Located just one block from the weekly farmers market, the cafe sources organic produce and farm products from local farmers. The local theme continues with their use of everything from Rogue Creamery cheese and Siskiyou Honey Bees honey to locally roasted Evans Valley Roasting coffee beans and dark chocolate mocha syrup from Lillie Belle Farms.

Talk to any Butterpal (aka their bakery fans) and you’ll hear kudos about the menu item that made Buttercloud a favored destination: “breakfast & lunch sandwiches on housemade buttermilk biscuits.” Customer favorites include The Farmhouse (Fried egg, bacon, tomato and basil aioli) and Chicken & Chile (Chicken breast, cilantro mayo, roasted poblano pepper, Tillamook pepper jack cheese and tomato). The cafe also offers breakfast plates such as the Smoked Salmon Scramble, French Toast made with their biscuits and a healthy Kale and Avocado Breakfast Salad (topped with eggs).

Lunch offerings include sandwiches featuring beef brisket & pulled pork, scratch-made soups and a smoky Mac and Cheese. Make sure to save room for dessert, as they always have a selection of delectable desserts by the slice daily! Whole cakes are also available by pre-order only.

Read more about the Buttercloud Bakery story.