On a corner in the  Bonnie Brae district sits cozy Katherine’s French Cafe, a small cafe and bakery specializing in French pastries and quiche. 

The interior is cute and cozy with rich colors offset by bright, fluttering paper decorations that hang from the ceiling. Every table is set with a red rose in a small vase. Details like this reflect the attention that the bakers give to each confection they create, which is evident in the beautiful and delicious creations on display along the front counter. Intricate cakes, delicately decorated cookies, hearty quiche and lovely pastries line the counter, all hand-made by the staff at Katherine’s.

The manner in which these treats are made also reflects the amount of care and passion put into them. Cakes are made from a traditional French genoise and creme patissiere, creme d’amande, frangipane, ganache and buttercreams are all made in-house. Pastries, which include tartlettes, almandine, tea cookies, croissants and more, are made with real butter, fresh eggs, fresh fruit and imported chocolate. You can certainly taste the quality.

The shop is headed by Chef Mario Aurra and Chef Katherine “Keeley” Pappas. Aurra has over 20 years experience in food and hospitality and came to Denver from Miami. Pappas apprenticed with a master French baker and worked in a Provençal patisserie-boulangerie in Martigues, France, before migrating to Denver and opening Katherine’s.

Along with ready-made items, the cafe also offers sit-down meals, including Classic Eggs Benedict ($12), smoked salmon Frittatas ($14), fresh fruit crepes ($10) and more.

I tried the jalapeno quiche and a key lime tartlette in addition to a chai tea latte. The large slice of quiche was warm and thick and the tartlette an adorable vision of a mini key lime pie (garnished with a lime slice, no less). Not  only did they look heavenly, they tasted divine as well. 

The jalapeno quiche was delightfully spicy and rich, with cheese and chicken also featured in the mixture. The tartlette, true to its visage, tasted exactly like a mini key lime pie. The chai tea was light and delicious, perfectly spicy and creamy in equal amounts.

The next time you’re in Bonnie Brae district and looking for a perfect brunch location, or perhaps a sweet treat to-go, look no further than Katherine’s French Cafe for delicious authentic French cuisine.