Amazing. Party in the mouth. Addictive. I found this place when googling "cronuts" in the area because I had been hearing of this concept (croissant donuts) for several years and figured I needed to try them. I live 25 minutes away but was in the area for an appt so I popped in and couldn't believe my eyes because I literally dream about baked goods every few months (I know this is totally weird, I can't even explain it other than to say that baked goods from quality bakeries are my kryptonite!) and this looked just like the amazing spread of baked goods I see in my dreams! It was beautiful, smelled amazing, and was nice and clean.
I bought 2 croissant donuts (coffee and lemon flavors) and a coffee frappe. The frappe was really tasty, it had a nice strong coffee flavor but was balanced w/ sweetness. I got a small but it felt more like a medium, it was a generous size, IMO. I intended to take just a bite of the coffee donut in the car but couldn't stop until I finished it right there. It was SO AMAZING, 10/10!!! I'm a donut FIEND but this is next level! It has a slight crunch on the outside but is tender and flaky in the middle. I don't normally like cream-filled donuts but this cream is high quality and perfectly complements the vessel it comes in. Each bite just multiplied all the endorphins and dopamine released into my bloodstream! I knew my life was changed forever after that experience!
That night, I went to wrap up the lemon donut to keep it fresh and again, intended to take just a bite to get a little taste of it, but I couldn't stop myself until I finished the whole thing. I'm not really partial to lemon flavors but this is really subtle and light & fresh tasting. I have since tried the Nutella croissant donut as well and while all 3 flavors are so amazing, I think I prefer the lemon the most, which is a huge surprise!
I was also surprised to see a decent selection of sandwiches too; I plan to meet up with some friends for lunch (there's a pesto chicken on a baguette that is calling my name!) and introduce them to these amazing pastries while I am there.
I tried the chocolate ganache cake slice today, it was good but not other-worldly like the donuts but I do plan to try the other cake options over time.
As I said, I live 25 min away one way and I've been back 2 more times in the span of about 3 weeks. Their app provides a lot of special offers to lure you back in so I recommend you download that if you think you'll be a repeat customer. Prices are a little high but the quality is so good that you feel like you are treating yourself to luxury so it's worth a premium price (and those app offers can help too!) but I think they are comparable in price with other specialty bakeries.
Staff is always pleasant and I had the opportunity to talk to the owner today who was a pleasure to chat with. There's always a steady stream of customers so I hope that's a sign this business will be thriving for many years to come.
Tip: they will stack your croissant donuts on top of each other (separated by wax paper) in the box when you check out if you buy more than 2; you do NOT want that because the frosting on top will come completely off when you remove the wax paper.
Whenever I come home from here, my dog smells me from head to toe, I am sure I smell like heaven to her from all the delicious smells that waft into my...
Read moreCute place. I was just excited to see French words on a restaurant awning and something open again at that prime location! I walked in expecting... I don't know, an actual restaurant, or perhaps an independently owned and operated café. As I got closer I noticed 1) the place occupies only the front half of the old Andiamo (the part closer to Michigan Avenue) -- which actually makes sense if you remember how huge Andiamo was inside, with a stage and all that. It's just a little weird, especially if you enter as a pedestrian as I did, from the lovely wooden bridge riverwalk that is behind the property (and part of what makes the back part of this such a prime location... hmmm I wonder what will open there?) Anyway so the other thing I noticed then as soon as I walked in was 2) Ah yes! I have been to this place before. In other words, it is a chain / franchise. Which left me feeling somewhat mixed to be honest. I am sure many people feel relieved when they enter the familiar terrain of a franchise establishment, but it's just not the same "flavor" as say being inside Galata Sweets or Jabal Coffee House or The Great Commoner. But hey, I am not trying to say it wasn't good. It definitely was, and I will be back! All I'm saying is there was that moment of, “Am I inside the airport somewhere, or in Texas, or where in the heck DID I step inside of this exact replica before?’ It had that effect. To me, that sort of cookie-cutter approach can be a bit unnerving. But then I looked to my right and saw a shiny fruit tarte and looked straight ahead and saw the pristine white individually assigned serving tongs and white parchment-lined trays, and I quickly got over myself to the friendly sound of an employee explaining to me The Drill. I took a tray, some tongs, and a magnificent loaf of bread to take home, along with an awesome sandwich; ordered up a matcha latte at the counter. The young lady at the counter was exceedingly patient while I re-setup Google Wallet on my new phone and I regret not remembering her name but at least I had the good sense to tip her. I only take a point off the atmosphere because they ought to find some way to incorporate sound dampening. I understand the aesthetic but it wasn't even full capacity and the acoustics were awful with all the echoes.
I think that is all I have for now. Wait but do they even sell baguettes? I guess they probably would not sell well. Just wondering. A good ole Croque Monsieur or Camembert on a half croissant would totally hit the spot and I would venture here solely for that and a good...
Read moreI berks high hopes for this stop and maybe that is why it fell short of expectations. Paris Baguette is not bad,, it is just not great. If you are looking for a mid-level pastry with a high price on your way to work or the Greenfield Village this could work because of proximity.
As you enter the store you'll see windowed displays with many options having an empty tray, and about half at about 25%. You seek not be greeted,, but there is a sign to the far right instructing you to grab a tray, tongs, and a sheet of wax paper as this location is primarily self serve. It very typical of what you ask find in the bakeries of Mexican Town.
When visual appeal is just ok. Many of the sliding glass doors were left open exposing the pastry to the unavoidable insects that will fly into any open door of any home or business. Having an employee on the floor to greet, answer questions, and keep things tidy would be a simple fix. I do not fault the employees for this as this is accomplished through management training and scheduling. Perhaps even by a manager themselves.
The price were on the extravagant side, which would not be an issue if the products were themselves extravagant. However, these are top-tier prices for a mid-level product, and non-existent service.
In conclusion, this spot has a French name, but the products are not even Canadian quality. If you desire a great French pasty head to MK Canelle in Detroit. PB has a Mexican Town vibe, but if you want that experience head to Mexican Town Bakery in Detroit for much tastier choices at a far lower price. The style of preparation is very Middle Easter, but if you want a nice fruit tart or cake in that style go to Dearborn Sweets. The issue is frankly this, when you try to blend 3 styles into one you end up with an average of the three. That is Paris Baguette, an average bakery trying to portray an elite experience and...
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