Perenn may have gotten its start in Nevada, but it feels most at home in its Franklin, Tennessee, location with its small-town, Mayberry-come-to-life aesthetic. The French patisserie is nestled along the Harpeth River, and there are few things more idyllic than sitting outside listening to the sounds of the river on a crisp fall day with one of the bakery’s spectacular almond croissants in tow.
And among the many things Perenn does outrageously well, the almond croissant stands out. Impossibly flaky and oversized, the creamy almond filling is transcendent, coating the palate in warm notes of vanilla and cream. Word to the wise: ask for it warmed up—it’s the culinary equivalent of a hug.
But laminations and crispy baguettes aren’t the only thing Perenn doles out from its quaint Parisienne patisserie digs on Franklin’s Main Street. Breakfast sandwiches and lunch plates like Turkish eggs, lemon ricotta pancakes and croque madames on toasted sourdough are available for sit-down service, and the floral Art Deco espresso machine doles out cappuccinos and macchiatos throughout the day.
From Thursday through Saturday, the bakery channels its inner bistro at night, hosting dates and family meals with its bavette steak in bernaise, Ora King salmon amandine and whole herb de provence chicken that feeds four. Paired with a classic negroni or martini, and you might almost be convinced you’re actually in Lyon.
The vibe: Small-town bakery, with a chic Parisienne patisserie vibe.
The food: Big rustic loaves of bread, mountainous croissants filled with beautiful pastes and creams, and hearty cookies with a nice chew. Dinner turns into a French bistro with a gorgeous Sunday roast with schmaltz potatoes and a tightly curated wine and cocktail list.
The drink: A beautiful array of steeped teas and coffee drinks crafted from a visually arresting, Art Deco-style espresso machine.
Time Out tip: They’ve opened a second Tennessee location in Nashville that also doubles as its production facility—it’s worth the 20-minute drive to check out.