A Morning of Parisian Splendor at PRB Boulangerie, Kendall Square**
Mon Dieu, what a delightful little slice of Paris we stumbled upon this morning! Just next to our intended destination, PRB Boulangerie in Kendall Square beckoned with its luminous charm, and bien sûr, we could not resist.
From the moment we stepped inside, the air was thick with the intoxicating perfume of butter, sugar, and freshly baked bread—a symphony for the senses. The space, très élégant, was bathed in natural light, with an open, airy design that invited us to linger. The décor, a tasteful mélange of rustic and modern, whispered of a chic Left Bank boulangerie—très charmant!
But the true stars of the show? Les pâtisseries!Behind gleaming glass cases, an array of sweet temptations glistened, each more irrésistible than the last. Flaky croissants, decadent pain au chocolat, and delicate fruit tarts—oh là là! Above them, golden loaves of bread, their crusts crackling with promise, completed the tableau.
The staff, très aimable, greeted us with warm efficiency. No interminable queue, merci beaucoup! Her Majesty the Queen (of our household, bien entendu) and our young prince made their selections with the gravity such decisions demand. In moments, the pastries were neatly packaged, and we claimed a table where the morning sun poured in like liquid gold.
As they indulged in their treasures—each bite a buttery, flaky revelation—the sunlight danced upon the table, casting the moment in a glow so perfect it could have been painted by Monet. Magnifique! The Queen, in a rare moment of restraint, abstained from coffee this time—quelle surprise!—but peut-être next visit, she will succumb to the allure of a rich café allongé.
PRB Boulangerie is a petit bijou in Kendall Square—a place where the art of French baking is honored with every meticulous detail. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, do not hesitate. Allez-y! Your taste buds will thank you, et moi aussi.
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Read moreRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - “Great”
Service 🙋♂️
The service at PRB Boulangerie KENDALL SQUARE is nothing short of exceptional. Kamal and Duban, the baristas, truly made my visit memorable. Kamal’s friendly and warm demeanor, complete with a firm handshake, added a personal touch to a simple coffee run. Their genuine kindness and attentiveness made the experience stand out, proving that great service can elevate any visit. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Decor 🎨
The decor perfectly matches what you’d expect from a Cambridge/MIT café. It boasts a spacious setting filled with lush plants and minimalist, new-age art pieces. The clean and airy atmosphere creates a perfect environment for both relaxation and productivity. The thoughtful design enhances the overall ambiance, making it a delightful place to unwind or get some work done. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Food 🍽️
The baked goods at PRB Boulangerie are a feast for the eyes and the palate. My girlfriend opted for the torsade croissant with hazelnut and the lavender-matcha lemonade, both of which were fantastic. The croissant was perfectly flaky and flavorful, while the lemonade offered a refreshing and unique twist. The display of gigantic Ferrero Rocher chocolates was tempting and impressive, showcasing the café’s creativity and dedication to quality. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
In Retrospect 🤔
Reflecting on my visit, PRB Boulangerie KENDALL SQUARE offers a top-tier experience with outstanding service, inviting decor, and delicious food. Whether you’re in the area for a coffee break or a relaxed brunch, this café is a must-visit. The combination of friendly staff, beautiful setting, and delectable treats makes it a standout spot in Cambridge.
Final Verdict: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - “Great”
Catchy One-Liner: “PRB Boulangerie: Where friendly service, stylish decor, and delicious treats come together in...
Read moreWill be honest I hadn’t planned to write a review, but I feel it’s time to share some thoughts in hopes that PRB Boulangerie will take it as an opportunity to elevate the quality of their offerings. I first had a pleasure of trying their treats a few years ago, back when they still operated their Somerville bakery (now a sister shop, Café Saint-Germain). The pastries and breads were truly exceptional, and I also used to buy them for our New Year’s celebrations.
After the transition, I began occasionally stopping by their Cambridge location in Kendall Sq.. In my early visits, I was won over by their take on the hazelnut Paris-Brest. Still, to this day, the best I’ve ever tried. 🙌 It looked like a jewel crowned with a caramelized hazelnut, hiding a crisp praline center that added a wonderful depth of flavor. Ahhh, what a culinary joy it was! 😊❤️❤️
Visit after visit, I have found myself repeatedly disappointed by both the taste and quality. The pastries, croissants, and even a lukewarm strawberry matcha latte fell short: bland, cold, and lacking flavor. A recent purchase of three éclairs proved equally underwhelming; the choux pastry was completely tasteless. In general, their pastries are missing the rich, buttery essence that lies at the heart of classic French bakes. True, some of their desserts remain visually appealing; again, a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. 😉
I stopped by before noon on a Sunday. The café was nearly empty. The service was quick and gracious, which I truly appreciated. I hope PRB Boulangerie will take a note and improve. I look forward to a positive change and the day I rediscover this place, and once again feel excited about stepping in and experiencing modern fine patisserie at PRB...
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