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
The chef and founder, Rosie Nguyen, had been preparing for the change for a while. Nguyen, the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, spent a decade working full time as a nurse at Children’s National Medical Center. She worked at several local restaurants, where she sharpened her skills in baking and catering. At the beginning of the pandemic, Nguyen opened her bakery at The Block Food Hall in downtown D.C., the beginning of a pivotal chapter.
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
Details on the opening are scarce, but Nguyen shared some tidbits with Washington City Paper in December. “Our new space in Woodley Park is going to be the haven I’ve always wanted for my team,” she said. “We hope to build a nice outdoor area with lots of plants and tables. Floor-to-ceiling windows will fill the interior with sunlight. We also can’t wait to show off a beautiful pastry case and to upgrade our coffee program with an espresso machine.”
