Continental Bakery/Chez Lulu

The breads and pastries of The Continental Bakery are works of art prepared daily from scratch by artisan bakers who really care about good bread and who rely on the most traditional European methods. The Continental Bakery itself is like a medieval... Read More

The breads and pastries of The Continental Bakery are works of art prepared daily from scratch by artisan bakers who really care about good bread and who rely on the most traditional European methods.

The Continental Bakery itself is like a medieval shop, where handwork and skill come together with attention to detail and natural ingredients to make the most authentic European breads in the southeast.

Chez Lulu was born of my desire to showcase the beautiful artisan breads we were creating next door in the Continental Bakery and to share with Birmingham my own passion for the flavors and spirit of French cafe society.

With this in mind, I designed a menu featuring fresh soups and European tartes made daily from fresh produce and top quality ingredients, delectable dips and spreads, Mediterranean special entrees and gourmet sandwiches on rustic hearth baked breads. In designing the cafe, I discussed my vision of lush red walls, swag lamps and crushed velvet pillows with a French friend. He replied, "My you'll have a real Chez Madame Lulu on your hands." He explained that in France Chez Madame Lulu is a euphemism for a bordello. I fell in love with the name and the slightly risque connotation conjured by the lively and exotic personality I had pictured for the cafe. Chez Lulu was born. Recently we decided to brighten the interior of Chez Lulu with golden hues and a ruby ceiling.