A graphic designer by trade, Cecile Bon of Woy Woy has always had a love of baking.
And now she and partner Luc Grimaud are set to open a specialist French patisserie in the Galleria at Ettalong Beach on Jun 4.
The couple first came to Australia from their native France 10 years ago, exploring the country and working as fruit pickers and farm hands as they explored the country.
“We really loved it in Australia and eventually settled in Sydney,” Bon said.
“Then two years ago we moved to the Central Coast because as graphic artists, we could work from home wherever we were.
“We had been to the area for a lot of weekends and holidays and decided this was the place for us.”
During COVID lockdowns, Bon revisited her passion for baking and started a small business from home, making and delivering beignets in all the traditional flavours.
“We had originally thought of a food truck, but lockdowns made that impossible,” she said.
The homemade French donuts proved so popular with a growing clientele that Bon has decided to expand the business and open Mamigato at Ettalong Beeach, selling not just the trademark beignets, but also a variety of other French pastry delicacies, including friands, madeleines and brioche, with other items to be added seasonally to include fruit tarts.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Bon said.
“My grandmother taught me to bake when I was a child in France.
“We lived in Brittany – it was very much a countryside setting.
“And I wanted to share the simple, authentic, honest food of the region.
“The shop is named for my grandmother.
“Mami means grandmother and gati means cake.
“My cakes and pastries are a reflection of the food I grew up eating and baking and I make it all from scratch.”
Mami Gato will serve take-away cakes and pastries, milk shakes, ice cream and soft drinks, with tables and chairs right outside the shopfront in the Galleria where customers can savour the delicious food.
“The Galleria really appealed to us because it has such a European flavour,” Bon said.
“Although we won’t be serving coffee, there are several places in the Galleria where people can buy a coffee to enjoy with their pastries as they enjoy the atmosphere of the Galleria including live music on the weekends.”
Beignets customers can enjoy include vanilla cream, raspberry, Nutella and coffee.
Mamigato will open on Saturday, June 4, and will be open from 9am-4pm each day of the long weekend.
It will then be open every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday for take away or delivery.
Check www.mamigato.com.au for the latest updates.
Terry Collins
I’m not normally a cake or sweet lover but thought I’d just see what you were producing. My goodness what a good idea that was. I’ve just eaten the best brioche since my last visit to France 3 yrs ago. Totally, absolutely deliciously, perfect raspberry treat. I’ve got an Almond Choc to try tomorrow. I can’t wait to go back for more. I’m so looking forward to your baguette and I’d love to see you making a good quiche – haven’t had a good one in 3 years. Thank you for the long hours and perfection in baking.
Very best wishes for a long and successful business.
Hello Mary, thank you so much for your comment. So glad you enjoyed our goodies. We hope to share more sweet and savory French specialties in the future!! Thanks for your support. Cecile and Luc from Mamigato.