Michael Werrell and Keaton Vasek are pastry geniuses. Between them, the Culinary Institute of America grads have more than two decades of experience at some of America’s most highly respected kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park (three Michelin stars!) and the Dominique Ansel Bakery (home of the original cronut). The couple moved to town last year with plans to elevate chef Sean Brock’s pastries at Aubrey and The Continental, but the pandemic forced them to quickly pivot. So while the restaurant industry works to get back on its feet, Werrell and Vasek are offering their expertly made goodies at Trēt (pronounced “treat”) at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. The menu changes with the seasons — there were cookies around Christmastime and chocolate bonbons for Valentine’s Day. This month, the pair has turned everything green: A striped croissant is stuffed with cereal-milk-flavored custard and topped with colorful cereal marshmallows; green macarons are filled with white chocolate and matcha ganache and a dollop of lemon curd. Even their dog treats — yes, they make dog treats — have been given a St. Patty’s Day makeover. If you’re a purist, don’t worry — they almost always have the classics on hand too. Custardy canelé, flaky and sweet kouign-amann, and plain croissants with the most perfect honeycomb cross section you’ve ever seen. They’re at the market Wednesdays through Sundays, but I recommend preordering a day in advance at tretbakingco.com to ensure you get your favorites, and follow them on Instagram at @tretbakingco to get a peek at specials. MEGAN SELING
Buy Fancy Pastries at Trēt Baking Co.
