In the heart of Toulouse, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Carmes, sits an unassuming pâtisserie called Loma. The moment you step inside, you are welcomed by a cozy ambiance, the sweet scent of freshly baked goods, and an exceptional offering of desserts, sandwiches, and beverages. Opened in June 2019, Loma has quickly gained a reputation for its delectable, homemade pastries and uncompromising dedication to quality.

The magic behind Loma is the dynamic duo of Lolita Champagne from France and Mathieu Champagne from Montreal, Quebec. They previously ran a similar venture in Guayaquil, Ecuador for a decade before embarking on a tour of France in search of the perfect location to set up their next culinary enterprise. After much exploration, the pair fell in love with the charm and vibrancy of Toulouse, and thus, Loma was born. The name Loma is a blend of Lolita and Mathieu, reflecting their shared passion and commitment to the venture.

Among Loma's pastry offerings, one that deserves a special mention is their decadent Chocolatine. This isn't just your average pastry – the secret behind its rich flavor and mouth-watering aroma lies in the exquisite ingredients that Lolita and Mathieu employ.

At the heart of this delectable pastry is the Beurre Charentes-Poitou AOP. This butter has a long history and is known for its exceptional quality and unique character, lending itself beautifully to both savory and sweet dishes. Made in the Charentes-Poitou region of France, this butter is highly valued by chefs, pastry experts, and cooking enthusiasts. It's not just butter; it's a product of passion, love, and dedication that the dairy farmers of the region pour into it.

The second key ingredient is the single-origin chocolate from Ecuador, supplied by Kuná. Founded in 2012 by Maria Fernanda Andrade and Luis Manuel Leon, Kuná is recognized for its commitment to social responsibility, cooperation with indigenous peoples, preservation of biodiversity, organic farming, and outstanding quality. The brand works closely with the Asociación Wiñak, an indigenous cooperative in the Amazon of Ecuador. This allows Kuná to source exceptionally high-quality cocoa, which becomes an integral part of Loma's Chocolatine.

In my opinion, the Chocolatine at Loma ranks among the best in Toulouse, standing shoulder to shoulder with renowned establishments such as Maison Beauhaire, Boulangerie Cyprian, and Péché Mignon. It boasts a perfect layering of puff pastry, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a moist, rich interior. The robust flavor of quality butter intermingles with a complex, dark chocolate aroma that isn't overly sweet, striking the perfect balance.

In conclusion, Loma is more than just a pâtisserie. It's a story of two passionate individuals who journeyed through diverse culinary landscapes, bringing with them an array of flavors to Toulouse. Their Chocolatine is a testament to their dedication to quality and craftsmanship, and a culinary delight that you shouldn't miss. Whether you're a resident of Toulouse or just visiting, make sure you stop by Loma to experience this masterpiece of a pastry!