When you’re looking for the Pine Island Getaway Café, make sure you have a navigation source with you. The 1,400-square foot café is located around the back of Doug Taylor Circle in St James City, a short distance south of the four-way stop at Pine Island Center.
More: More Cape Coral getaway restaurants from JLB
The café celebrated its second birthday last month. Thomas Brunet, who worked at three bakeries in France, is co-owner with his brothers, Florent and Adam. Thomas’ specialty is French croissants and pastries, while Adam handles all the crepes and Florent does most of the savory items.
Pine Island Getaway Café is open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
“They said there was no French bakery on the island, so we said, ‘Let’s try it out,’" Thomas said. “It was always something we wanted to do. Honestly, despite the location and population, we were doing great. We had a good start this season until the virus came and wiped out the income we were supposed to get.
“But people in Cape Coral and the island have come by and are supporting us. Some have come by every day.”
The Facebook reviews are impressive.
“Best breads and pastries without (traveling) a thousand miles,” said one person.
“Best almond croissants I have had in my life,” another person posted. “Chocolate and plain were amazing also! Such a hidden gem.”
Here’s some things to know about Pine Island Getaway Cafe:
It has a great view: Overlooking the café are pine trees and a small lake. “It’s very beautiful in the morning with the sunrise,” Thomas said.
Breakfast is most popular: While Thomas, Adam and Florent have quiche, pastries, tarts and French custard in chocolate and vanilla, croissants are the No. 1 seller. Thomas makes it with egg, bacon and cheddar. “It actually takes the yeast two days to rise,” Thomas said of the croissant-making process. “It takes a lot of time. It’s a difficult process. You also have to control the temperature of the butter.” Crepes come in second. Thomas serves that with ham, egg and Parmesan.
Lunch favorite: That would be French-onion soup, naturally. Thomas puts Gruyere cheese on top and serves it with sourdough bread. Two other popular dishes are the French shepherd's pie with beer and mashed potatoes and a chicken pot pie.
Fruity deserts: The brothers often sell their eclairs and pastries with fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Others include rème vanilla marble cake, strawberry jam and pumpkin-cinnamon eclairs.
Pastries: Thomas said the top sellers are the chocolate éclair and chocolate macaroons. They also make crème brûlée macarons.
If you go
What: Pine Island Getaway Cafe
Where: 5281 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City
Type: French bakery, breakfast, lunch
Hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays
Phone: 283-3602
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