Romy was born into the world of pastry—quite literally. A fourth-generation pastry chef, he grew up in France, where baking was not just a job, but a family tradition. When Romy moved to the United States ten years ago, he brought more than recipes—he brought a dream.
That dream came to life in December 2024, when he opened ID-Eclair, a charming vegan patisserie tucked away in Pasadena. Though the storefront is still fresh, the vision behind it had been rising for three years. Romy’s mission is clear: to show the world that plant-based can be delicious.
Every treat at ID-Eclair is shaped like an éclair, Romy’s favorite pastry. “I love that you can eat them with your fingers,” he says, laughing.
Romy connected with Friends In Deed through Tish, our Director of Street Outreach and Housing. A long-time vegan and co-founder of the Pasadena Vegans Group, Tish quickly became one of ID-Eclair’s earliest champions. But more than that, she and Romy became friends, bonding over shared values and compassionate living.
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Romy began donating éclairs to fire stations and the Pasadena Convention Center. He wanted to do more than serve pastries—he wanted to serve people. That’s when he started donating his daily leftovers to Friends In Deed.
“Pastries are made fresh every day,” Romy explains. “And that means there’s always extra. I could throw them away, or I could share them. Not everyone gets the chance to enjoy something special like this. If you have the means, you should give what you can.”
Now, Romy’s generosity is part of our rhythm. Thanks to him, neighbors facing hard times get a taste of something unexpected: the gift of indulgence, joy, and dignity.
And Romy’s not stopping there. Just next door to ID-Eclair, his new venture La Cave is beginning to bloom—a cozy vegan wine bar offering meals, tastings, and soon, a delightful happy hour. Whether it’s food, friendship, or fresh starts, Romy is all about creating community.
Because sometimes, a small pastry can carry a very big heart.
Support Romy’s Mission
Experience the magic of plant-based French delights and support a local business that gives back to the community:
- ID-Eclair: Indulge in handcrafted vegan pastries that blend tradition with innovation.
- 📍 169 W Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91105
- 🕒 Open Tuesday–Sunday, 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- 🌐 id-eclair.com
- La Cave: Unwind with curated vegan wines and savory dishes in an intimate setting.
- 📍 169 W Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91105
- 🕒 Open Wednesday–Sunday, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- 🌐 lacave.la
By visiting ID-Eclair and La Cave, you’re not only treating yourself to exquisite flavors but also supporting a business that embodies generosity and community spirit.