Upcoming Bakery Finds a Sweet Spot In the East End

Downtown Houston's bar scene is bursting at the seams, but options are limited if your drink of choice doesn't include infused spirits. That's slowing changing. This summer saw the opening of Addictea Cafe - the bakery and cafe specializing in cupcakes, macarons, and bubble tea - joining Ben's Beans and Minuti Coffee as bar alternatives. Last year, CultureMap reported on Poison Girl Cocktail Lounge, Antidote Coffee and Black Hole Coffee House owners' plans to open a cafe on the corner of Main and Congress later this year. Soon, a West Houston confectionery will offer a sweet escape in Downtown.

Thuy-my Luong and Sandy Tran, owners of SWEET - a bakery located within CityCentre - have had their sights on the Inner Loop. The duo are set to bring their signature macarons and cupcakes to East Downtown this winter. The warehouse that once housed Villains, Hyperia, and a number of clubs and concert venues on the corner of Chartres and Commerce, will soon be home to SWEET's sister bakery, Tout Suite.

According to its Facebook page, the name is "a play on the French word 'tous' meaning 'all' and 'suite' which shares the same American pronunciation of 'sweet' - so here, you can find all things sweet." But baked goods won't be all that's served at the new location. The bakery's concept will differ from its west Houston outpost, offering customers savory fare for dining-in or on-the-go. The menu will consist of freshly made salads, soups made in-house, and sandwiches crafted with breads sourced from Slow Dough Bread Co. Freshly squeezed juice and teas will be available as well.

The bakery will also partner with Greenway Coffee to feature a curated selection of brewed coffee. Under the guidance of David Buehrer, Tout Suite will provide an expanded coffee program than what's currently available at SWEET. Luong and Tran hope it will be one of the big draws for students from nearby University of Houston - Downtown, who run on coffee to study.

The other big draw? Convenience. Tout Suite and SWEET spokesperson, Anne Le, tells Eater, "we receive orders from many offices in Downtown. To service those working in Downtown better, we made the decision to bring our bakery inside the Loop." The warehouse location will provide ample room to do just that. Although construction is ongoing, Le says to expect a modern yet industrial-looking space once completed. With more room and a bigger kitchen, the EaDo bakery will serve as the home-based kitchen, allowing for experimentation with new items to add to the menu. Tout Suite expects to open by the end of February.
—Jakeisha Wilmore

· Tout Suite [Facebook]
· All Other Coming Attractions [-EHOU-]