It might sound like a cliché: an invitation to a new friend’s home in a European city, forging lifelong bonds over a cheese board and French wine, followed by a singalong around the piano as the whole street joins in. Too good to be true, right? Wrong! This is exactly what happened on our second night in Amsterdam, visiting our friends Meike and Lucas, who run ‘Petit Gateau,’ a charming bakery in the heart of the city serving decadent tarts and freshly baked pastries.

A Brief Encounter in France

Earlier this year, we met Meike and Lucas at L’Ecole Valrhona in the south of France. As the mother-and-son team behind the successful ‘Petit Gateau,’ we instantly connected over our shared sense of humor and love for Valrhona chocolate. What started as a casual conversation quickly blossomed into a deep friendship. We laughed, shared stories, and indulged in exquisite chocolate, feeling as if we had known each other for years. Saying goodbye was tough, but we vowed to stay in touch and soon planned a visit to their home city, Amsterdam. Meike even offered us her spare room, insisting we stay with them.

Arrival in Amsterdam

A couple of months later we packed our chocolate equipment and moulds, ready to board the early morning KLM flight from Newcastle to Amsterdam. The short 50-minute flight and a quick metro ride brought us to the city. Navigating Amsterdam is a breeze—just watch out for the bikes! You can walk or bike to most places, including Petit Gateau, which is just a stone's throw from Amsterdam Central Station.

As we stepped off the metro, the city’s vibrant energy enveloped us. Meike and Lucas greeted us like old friends, rushing out of the shop to hug us. It felt like no time had passed since our last meeting. Meike quickly introduced us to her shop and team, starting with her partner Patrice. Originally from France, Patrice is integral to the business, and was busy working upstairs in the smaller kitchen poaching fruit for their tarts. The well-oiled machine of their kitchen team was hard at work, with the enticing aroma of freshly baked Viennoiserie and coffee filling the air.

Discovering Petit Gateau

The shop and bakery are perfectly laid out. A stunning four-meter counter packed with sweet tarts draws customers in from the front window. The seating area, up a set of stairs leading to a mezzanine, is cozy and inviting. The main kitchen is downstairs, and the open-plan layout is incredibly welcoming. Lucas proudly showed us around, including their impressive chocolate storage room, where the air was cool and the scent of cocoa filled the space.

Over coffee with Meike, we learned about the inspirational story behind Petit Gateau. The name came by coincidence when Meike, after opening her first patisserie in Paris, stumbled upon a shop called Petit Bateau. It struck her as the perfect name for her business, capturing the essence of small, delightful tarts.

Another delightful element of their business also came by chance. Running out of her usual baking rings on one busy morning, Meike found a box of mini tart rings in her attic and baked smaller versions of her tarts. A customer, enchanted by these tarts bought thirty of them, affectionately calling them "mini minis," and the name stuck.

Meike ran her patisserie in Paris for six years, teaching baking to thousands of children and adults. In 2012, a visit to her sister in Amsterdam sparked the idea of opening a patisserie there. Patrice found a beautiful townhouse for sale, and after some swift decisions, they moved to Amsterdam with their children. They initially baked from home before opening their perfect little shop in 2013, quickly becoming a hit with both locals and tourists.

A Warm Welcome and a Night to Remember

Our first day in Amsterdam coincided with Meike and Patrice’s day off. Strolling around the city with them, it was clear they never switch off. Meike’s curiosity led us into a new shop, while Patrice shared the intricacies of his recipes. Their passion for food is contagious, setting the stage for an evening gathering with friends and family.

That evening, the cheeseboard overflowed with varieties like Brie de Meaux, Gouda, and Blue, complemented by desserts from Petit Gateau. Meike’s antique grand piano, passed down through generations, was the highlight of the night, with the front doors flung open for a neighbourly rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody."

The atmosphere was electric. As the evening progressed, neighbours wandered in, drawn by the music and laughter. We sang, danced, and shared stories until the early hours, feeling a deep sense of connection and belonging. It was one of those rare, magical nights where everything feels perfect, and memories are made that last a lifetime.

The Heart of Their Home

Meike’s home is truly inviting. A cat purrs beside a wall-sized bookcase overflowing with recipe books. Pans and pots fill the kitchen, reflecting her love for cooking even outside work. Patrice manages the business admin, while Meike creates new ideas, and Lucas juggles working at the bakery, hitting the gym, and another job. Their work-life balance is inspiring.

Despite the late night, Meike was up at 5am to prepare the bakery for our chocolate workshop at 10am. We taught her team chocolate tempering techniques, shelling molds, piping ganaches, and creating transfer decorations. The bustling bakery, with a steady stream of customers, operates like a well-oiled machine, each team member efficiently handling their tasks. 

Working in Petit Gateau gave us a deeper appreciation for the dedication and passion that goes into every tart and pastry. It’s not just a bakery; it’s a labor of love, a testament to the power of following one’s passion and creating something beautiful from scratch.

A Farewell Boat Ride

On our final day, Meike surprised us with a boat tour. Neighbours Barend and Marthe-Geke, who had joined the house party, offered to take us around the city on their own boat. We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon cruising through the canals, chatting with our new friends, and even bumping into others on another boat—a perfect end to a perfect trip.

As we glided through the serene canals, the sun casting a golden glow on the water, we reflected on our incredible journey. The hospitality and warmth we experienced in Amsterdam were beyond words. Meike, Patrice, Lucas, and their friends had welcomed us with open arms, sharing their lives and passions with us.

Our visit to Amsterdam was filled with unforgettable experiences, thanks to the warmth and hospitality of Meike, Patrice, Lucas, and their friends. From the delightful tarts of Petit Gateau to the enchanting boat ride through the canals, every moment was a testament to the joy of friendship and the magic of shared passions. This trip reminded us of the beauty of human connections, the power of hospitality, and the joy that comes from sharing our love of chocolate with others. We left Amsterdam with full hearts, new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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If you find yourself in Amsterdam, don’t miss out on a visit to Petit Gateau! Nestled in the heart of the city at Haarlemmerstraat 80, Amsterdam, this charming bakery is a haven for pastry lovers. Run by the talented Meike Schaling, Petit Gateau is famous for its mouth-watering tarts and freshly baked pastries. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or just a cozy spot to enjoy a coffee, this bakery has it all. Stay updated on their latest creations and events by following them on Instagram and Facebook. You can also visit them online at https://petitgateau.nl/