Happiness is a Warm Baguette

Accidental Locavore BaguettesCan we all agree that there’s nothing better than bread fresh from the oven? And if that bread is one of New York’s finest baguettes, fresh out of a very 21st century oven on a dark, blustery November evening, the night the clocks got turned back, the Accidental Locavore thinks it might be possible to survive until spring.

Accidental Locavore Master BakerThe bread in question was eagerly observed from formation, through its placement on the linen-lined belt, with four strategically placed cuts in the surface, into the brand-new oven, until the transformation into a perfect bien cuit baguette, twenty minutes later. As with most warm bread, it proved irresistible and like most of the baguettes I’ve brought home from the various Maison Kayser shops around the city, it didn’t make it to its destination intact.

They say that new coffee makers make the best coffee, and I’m really not sure that the same could be said for ovens, but this was a pretty spectacular baguette! If I tell you it was a conveyor belt, you’ll think mass production, but it was cutting-edge technology in the hands of artisanal bakers, and fascinating to watch.

Accidental Locavore Inside Maison KaiserWe were at the opening party for most recent Maison Kayser shop, opening November 6th on Broadway and 76th Street. Eric Kayser was there, working the crowd, and not looking at all like a man who had just run the New York City Marathon in under four hours (3:42:23). He got a rousing cheer from the packed bakery when he strolled in.

Accidental Locavore Tiny Pastries Like all the other MK’s I’ve been in, the staff was happy to ply us with anything and everything from the store. We switched from savory (butternut squash soup, mushroom tartines, mini croque monsieurs) to sweet (éclairs made from yuzo or blackberry/raspberry) and back again, enjoying every bite.

Accidental Locavore EclairsThe hardest decision was what to take home. I was under strict orders from Frank to bring home a baguette and some croissants, which only left all the amazing pastries to choose from. I split the decision with the woman behind the counter, who chose a raspberry tart for me and I picked a dome of coconut with a passion fruit center in my quest to eat through most if not all of  their desserts. Oh, and a bag of tiny financiers somehow made in with the rest of the treats.

If that’s not enough, next week will launch the holiday menu and I’ve been promised a tasting of all the (mini) bÁ»ches de NoÁ«l. Stay tuned!

 

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