Treat yourself to a taste of France in Seattle at Panterelli, a pastry shop offering unique flavors and treats with a French twist.
Panterelli is a cozy patisserie (pastry shop) situated in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction that specializes in eclairs and choux pastries, much like cream puffs.
Originally from Marseille, France, owner and chef Jacques Nawar previously operated Pizzeria Credo in the junction, a highly popular pizzeria which had the privilege of featuring on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in 2018. With the pizzeria officially closing in 2023, Nawar has set his sights on his new venture, which can be credited as being the only patisserie dedicated to choux pastries in the country. Before moving to Seattle 14 years ago, Nawar lived in Washington, D.C., after leaving his home country.
While in D.C., Nawar worked at the French embassy, gaining culinary experience, and since moving to Seattle, has worked as an entrepreneur and owned a variety of restaurant establishments while continuing to innovate in the hospitality industry with new and exciting creations.
Next time you’re in West Seattle, head over to Panterelli to see Nawar’s unique pastry designs, which can differ daily.
“Pantarelli is the name of the gentleman who created the choux pastry,” he said. “He was Italian, and became the personal chef to Catherine de’ Medici [Queen of France], who was married to Henry II, King of France, and their son, Henry III, also became King. Well, Panterelli discovered the choux pastry, which, technically speaking, is the closest thing to a cream puff, but it’s more elaborate than your typical cream puff.”
For Nawar’s choux pastries, he utilizes classic fresh dough and incorporates some of the best French chocolate around, called “Valrhona Chocolate,” adding to the authenticity of Panterelli’s selections. The menu also features daily items encased in a classic eclair shell, including the delectable pistachio eclair filled with a light, creamy pistachio-flavored filling and powdered sugar on top, plus the hazelnut eclair filled with creamy and smooth hazelnut and the vanilla eclair filled with vanilla bean pastry cream and topped with vanilla glaze.
Nawar has also played around with other creations and incorporated the croquembouche into his menu during the holiday season, and heart-shaped choux pastries during Valentine’s, topped with raspberries. Another fascinating and beautiful item that Nawar occasionally makes, or can be pre-ordered, is the Paris-Brest, which is a choux pastry made with praline-flavoured cream and covered with flaked almonds.
Nawar has also been lucky with the support from the local community, as he has made many connections over the years while operating out of West Seattle. Many of his customers have followed him from Pizzeria Credo and have become like family.
“I can honestly say it feels like family to me because of the faces I see and the people I love. I really love being a part of the community and connecting with people, which is the most rewarding part,” he said.
As he stays occupied operating Panterelli, he hopes to potentially re-open Pizzeria Credo at some point.
“Some people have told me they miss the pizzeria and say I had the best pasta and pizza, so I’m just constantly reminded, and it’s very much in demand,” Nawar said.
Until then, you can stop and say hi to Nawar at Panterelli at the Junction while enjoying a bite of delicious choux and Italian espresso coffee.
Panterelli is located at 4210 SW Alaska St, Seattle, Washington. You can follow them on Instagram here and find their website here.
Jenny Castro is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined.