Renowned for its genuine Asian American pastries, Rose Ave Bakery is set to relocate to Woodley Park. The current Vermont Avenue NW location will bid farewell to its last pastries on Jan. 28.
The Journey of Rosie Nguyen
Rosie Nguyen, the chef and founder, has been gearing up for this transition for some time. The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen spent ten years as a full-time nurse at Children’s National Medical Center. She honed her baking and catering skills while working at various local restaurants. Nguyen inaugurated her bakery at The Block Food Hall in downtown D.C. at the onset of the pandemic, marking a significant turning point.
The Vision for the Future
Nguyen and her business associate, Paula Wang, envisioned their shared food hall outpost as a stepping stone in building their enterprise. Their upcoming standalone store at 2633 Connecticut Ave NW (previously a Dunkin’) is expected to bring about several changes.
“At the new location, we aim to broaden our menu of sweet and savory items and launch a coffee program that will continue to feature crowd favorites, like our cherished Vietnamese coffee and ube latte,” the owners state on their website. “What began as a platform for Rosie to channel her creativity has transformed into a hub for others to innovate and redefine Asian pastries, all while fostering a sense of community.”
What’s Next?
An official opening date is yet to be announced, but Nguyen anticipates being able to provide a timeline by mid-February.
Achievements and Recognition
Nguyen and her dedicated team have achieved the extraordinary, thriving during a pandemic and cultivating a devoted following (fondly referred to as “Rosebuds”).
- Nguyen’s initial online pre-order was a sell out within minutes.
- Comedian Ali Wong and her mother visited the bakery in August 2021, and they praised the pastries on Wong’s Instagram stories.
- The assortment of ube pastries, ensaymada, and coconut mochi puffs has garnered considerable media attention, earning the bakery the title of “Bakery of the Year” from Eater DC in 2021.
Looking Ahead
While details about the opening are sparse, Nguyen shared some insights with Washington City Paper in December. “Our new space in Woodley Park is going to be the haven I’ve always envisioned for my team,” she said. “We’re planning to create a cozy outdoor space with plenty of plants and tables. The interior will be bathed in sunlight thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. We’re also looking forward to showcasing a stunning pastry case and enhancing our coffee program with the addition of an espresso machine.”
