We recently dropped by Crumbs Patisserie in Applecross to chat with head pastry chef and Kleenheat business customer Julia Buri.

When you enter Crumbs Patisserie, you are immediately welcomed by its bright, colourful décor and glass cabinets filled with beautifully crafted pastries and desserts. Its friendly team is also there with a smile to make you a coffee and happily talk you through the patisserie’s wide range of offerings.

And there is truly something for everyone, with familiar favourites like croissants, jam donuts, and macarons sitting alongside PBJ cubes, Bubble Butts, Shnickers, and tarts that show the impressive skill and vision of the patisserie’s head pastry chef.

Julia Buri was born and raised in Perth and developed an interest in pastry as a child. With a dream of one day owning her own patisserie, she went on to complete a four-year apprenticeship at Joondalup Resort and to graduate from North Metropolitan TAFE with a Certificate III in patisserie.

Things would only pick up from there. Julia was selected to be part of the Australian Culinary team, which took her to Europe and saw her compete as a pastry chef. Whilst competing in the Culinary Olympics in Germany, she was contacted by The Fat Duck, a three-star Michelin restaurant run by celebrity chef proprietor Heston Blumenthal. She traveled to England to complete a three-day trial at the restaurant and was offered a permanent job.

At The Fat Duck, Julia was part of a team of 30 chefs, working together in one kitchen to prepare food for 42 people at each lunch and dinner sitting.

“It was the most intense, tiring, and stressful experience, but also the most rewarding job and team I’ve ever been a part of and will probably ever be a part of,” Julia said.

She said the experience taught her not only how to be a successful pastry chef, but a supportive mentor and teacher, an organised and approachable boss, and a strong, independent woman.

“I was learning something new every day and was lucky enough to make some lifelong friends along the way. The skills, knowledge, and discipline I learned as a chef at The Fat Duck were skills and qualities I knew I would hold close for the rest of my life and career.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic saw many restaurants in the UK temporarily shut down, Julia decided to return to Perth. After four years of living and working in the UK, she felt she had enough life and industry experience as a pastry chef to confidently turn her lifelong dream of opening a patisserie into reality.

Julia began Crumbs as a home business before opening the patisserie’s store location in late 2021. After viewing many possible locations, she chose its Applecross home because of the community it holds.

“As you enter Ardross Street it reads ‘Ardross Village’ and that is exactly what it is,” she said.

“It’s a village of kind locals and amazing small businesses that support each other. I feel Crumbs was a perfect addition to the village and that it is a great first location for us.”

Julia is known for her modern gastronomy style and has enjoyed watching Perth become braver by tasting new flavours and products over the last few years.

“I love when our customers are willing to experiment with something a little different from the ‘norm’ because it allows our team to think outside the box and create some exciting products. However, sometimes Perth people just love a good plain croissant and jam donut!”

She’s excited to continue pushing her own creativity and that of her team.

“The Crumbs Team always have their minds ticking! We are constantly bouncing ideas off each other. The good, the bad, the great, the crazy! It always leads to something exciting!” she said.

“The seasons are always a guide for our creativity as we always use produce that is in season and at peak quality, and we also listen to our customers. We love hearing suggestions and will always try to accommodate them where we can.”

Julia is excited about the future of Crumbs and the prospect of introducing the patisserie’s products to a broader section of the community.

“My hopes for the future are to expand Crumbs in a tasteful manner,” she said. “There will be some very exciting things happening with Crumbs over the next few months. For now, all I can say is to #Followthecrumbs.”

You can find Crumbs Patisserie at Shop 6/32 Ardross Street, and at its new premises Crumbs in the Wall at Shop 2b/225 Main St, Osborne Park from 29 June 2023.

You can view the Crumbs’ menu and learn more about the patisserie at https://crumbspatisserie.com.au and follow it on Instagram @crumbs_patisserie_ and Facebook at Crumbs Patisserie.

Check out Julia’s other go-to spots in Perth:

“I am always visiting and trying new restaurants as they pop up in Perth! Firstly, because I love food, but most importantly because I know how important it is to support other small local businesses.”

Coffee – Dimattina Coffee, Osborne Park

Pastry  – Forklore, West Perth

Sourdough – Grain Bakery, Lathlain

Dinner – Lulu La Delizia, Subiaco

Wine  – Boobook, West Perth