I spent the last few months traveling from London to Beijing. Here is a taste of one place we spent time. Follow the links to read about others.
October 4th- 7th, 2005
In October John and I spent a few days in Paris after visiting Munich. While there we met up with Michele from Oswego Tea and visited a Poilâne bakery. This warm and rustic shop held a mouth-watering array of breads and other baked goods.
We purchased a lusciously flaky and buttery croissant, butter cookies, and a portion of a Poilâne sourdough loaf.
Of all the croissants I have tasted, I would venture to say that this one was most worthy of the phrase “melts in your mouth.” The flaky exterior enveloped a light, smooth, and milky interior. A pleasure to eat.
Michele took us to La Grande Epicerie nearby where we wandered through the store gushing at the fancy (not to mention expensive) goods. John and I bought simple sandwiches at their deli and a fantastic chèvre to go with our bread.
The bread had a thick and chewy crust dusted with flour and beautifully crafted. The crumb was moist, golden, and resilient and had a nutty, sour taste. The simple elegance of this bread is stunning. I politely envy Michele for living so near to this bakery.
Next stop, Marseille, France.
show hide 5 comments
mindy - Mmmmm. It seems like years since I’ve had a really wonderful melt in your mouth croissant– probably when I was in Paris, come to think of it.
Enjoy Gemma. You’re making my mouth water from miles and miles away.
(By the way, the pictures look fabulous. Thanks for making the effort to share them!)
gemma - Thanks Mindy. I have to admit that I have never tried to make croissants. They seem quite difficult. Perhaps when I get back to Chi-town we can try our hand at them. What do you say?
mindy - Its a date!
I think it was hard to get inspired to bake this summer what with the oven/horrid heat combination, but now that its getting cooler I keep wishing you were around to bake with me.
gemma - Perfect timing, I will be back Feb 1st and I guarantee it will be cold enough to yearn for a hot oven. I will be homeless and looking for one as well. I can’t wait.
Love,
g
mindy - Sweet!
You guys are always welcome at my house if staying with parents gets too exhausting. I’m sure L would love to have company as well.
m