croissant

La Boulangerie

Chocolate Almond Croissant

How most girls feel about designer shoe boutiques is how I feel about bakeries.

I gawk at the artistry, I’m enchanted by the selection and it’s hard to settle on a single item. There should be a fifth member of the Sex and the City crew who’s a foodie searching out places like the Big Gay Ice Cream and Prune for the best eats in NYC. In stilettos no less.

On this dreadful Monday I would give a pair of Jimmy Choos for a Chocolate Almond Croissant and cappuccino. I’ve been fantasizing about La Boulangerie.

La Boulangerie is a french bakery located Uptown in the heart of Magazine street among trendy, quirky shops. A welcome respite from Creole and Cajun food (although not necessarily lighter) they offer sandwiches, breads, soup, quiche, coffee and of course, pastries.

During our annual New Orleans trip, despite having eaten a continental breakfast at Avenue Inn, my mom and I fueled up for a day of shopping with a snack at La Boulangerie. Stumbling upon it’s pretty gold and blue awning, we popped in and took our place in line. Pouncing on an open table, I sat while my mom ordered so I have no opinion about the service.

We split a Chocolate Almond Croissant and I soaked up each bite accompanied by sips of a single shot cappuccino. The croissant was filled with sweet almond paste and chocolate, which I would have preferred more of, but then again who doesn’t like more chocolate. The substantial pastry was tender, flaky and strewn with almond slices.

Much like Sucre and other area bakeries, they offer special King Cakes during Mardi Gras season, both a traditional and French version. I was tempted to buy one, but the thought of lugging around a cake box and then five extra pounds post-consumption was a strong deterrent. Needless to say, everything looks and smells heavenly.

I believe La Boulangerie now accepts credit cards and cash, but I didn’t pay for this round. Get there early because like a secret sample sale, the good stuff runs out fast.

Don’t just take my word for it, New Orleans food bloggers Foodographer and The Hungry Nomad have also written about their experiences, in addition to the Cynical Cook. If you liked this post, read more of my Restaurant Stories.

La Boulangerie
4600 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone 504-269-3777

Bouchon Bakery

Pastries!

Chocolate croissants will give anyone an ulterior motive.

Although I didn’t get a chance to eat at Bouchon Bistro while in Las Vegas, we happened to wander by Bouchon Bakery in the Venetian.

Actually, what appeared to be coincidence was more like a strategic covert operation. Food lovers don’t let certain opportunities pass them by. We were on our way to Hash House a Go Go but I wanted a Pain au Chocolat in the worst way.

Hidden underneath escalators, I led us right by Bouchon Bakery (of Thomas Keller fame) where we made a stop for pastries. Resisting the temptation of macaroons, eclairs and cupcakes was as difficult as waiting to open gifts on Christmas morning. It was a small triumph to stick to one chocolate croissant and a cappuccino.

The amount of chocolate filling could have been more generous (in my opinion) but the croissant was buttery and flaky, as it should be. The cappuccino was standard, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana really set the bar high. On another day, I would have selected a couple macaroons and would advise you to do the same. In any case, it’s a welcome sight and spot for a break from the casino madness.

Bouchon Bakery
The Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Phone 702-414-6203
http://www.bouchonbakery.com/lasvegas

Read my Thirtieth Birthday posts

• Gidget Turns Thirty
• While I’ve Been Gone
• Table 100
• Parlor Market
• Las Vegas Dining and Buffet Tips
• Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
• Hash House a Go Go
• Bellagio Weekend Champagne Brunch Buffet