Frequently asked.
The questions that come up before a first order. The list grows as guests ask new ones — write to us with anything missing here.
What is a capsule?
A capsule is a body of work the maison releases for a single season. Five capsules a year, between six and ten weeks each, never repeated. When a capsule closes, the creations are returned to the archive — they will not be made again. The debut capsule, Fall 2026 · Le Rucher, is a monograph on seven single-origin honeys.
How do I receive my order?
Pickup, by appointment, at our Houston address. Orders open a 48-hour window scheduled in 4-hour blocks; the exact address and instructions are sent on confirmation. In-state Texas shipping is built and will be enabled later in the launch window. Out-of-state shipping is not available under our current operating model.
Why pickup-only at launch?
The maison operates under the Texas Cottage Food Production Operation law, expanded by Senate Bill 541 (effective September 1, 2025). Pickup keeps the work close to the bench — and lets us start without compromise on what travels well versus what does not.
How is The Vespre different from a bakery?
A bakery names a place where things are sold. A maison names a place where things are made. We do not stock — every box is made for a named order, in a small batch that can be watched. Five seasons a year, each one a single sustained idea, then closed.
How are allergens handled?
Every creation lists its allergens on the product card. The maison handles milk, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and sesame within a single kitchen — cross-contact cannot be fully eliminated. Guests with severe allergies should consider this carefully before ordering.
What does “TCS” mean on a creation?
TCS — Time/Temperature Control for Safety — covers items that include mousse, crémeux, ganache, or other perishable elements. Under SB 541, the maison is permitted to sell TCS items direct-to-consumer with our state registration on file. Each TCS box carries safe-handling instructions and a production-date label, and should be refrigerated immediately on pickup.
Can I order a custom cake?
Yes — outside the capsule. Custom cakes are quoted by inquiry; weddings and corporate orders have their own pathways. Lead time is typically three to four weeks. Capsule weeks fill first, so earlier inquiries are easier to honor.
When does the first capsule open?
Vespre Fall 2026 · Le Rucher opens September 1, 2026 and closes October 31, 2026. The waitlist is the only way to hear before launch; we write four times a year, no more.
