I was driving along down a nondescript side street in Englewood the other day when I stumbled upon a little buttery slice of France. Tucked away between drab office buildings and broken-down factories, a pale yellow awning with familiar lettering caught my eye. In the .com heyday when I worked in Soho, I enjoyed many breakfast croissants and intoxicating cafes au lait from the Balthazar Bakery around the corner from my office. Occasionally I would even splurge to sit inside and have a real sit down breakfast to try and spot disguised movie stars in nearby booths. (once the bubble burst, we had a lot of time to kill before the layoffs.) As I was born and raised in France, I’m a really tough critic when it comes to croissants and baguettes. I haven’t found many in the States that I would even call a croissant. But the Balthazar croissants definitely qualify. I would even venture to say that they are the best croissants I’ve had here. They’re crispy on the outside, revealing flaky inside that taste buttery without being greasy.
I had actually stumbled upon the Balthazar bakery in Englewood. But luckily for us New Jerseyites, the factory also has a store front. They sell the heavenly croissants I just raved about, of course, but they also have every bread imaginable, and dozens of pastries that almost look too good to taste. I limited my purchase to 4 croissants, 2 pains au chocolat, and a baguette, this time.
But now I know where they’re hiding and I don’t know that I’ll be able to exercise such restraint next time.
Vanessa Druckman aka Chefdruck, is our North Jersey contributor. Chefdruck is not a chef, as her online name suggests, just a huge food aficionado. She loves to cook and to eat out, and then to write about her experiences. Vanessa is a transplant from the big city. She is half-French and spent a big part of her childhood in France, so as a result, there’s no fear of cream and butter for Chefdruck. Read more from Vanessa at: http://www.chefdruck.blogspot.com/http://www.chefdruckwrites.blogspot.com/
Oh, Man am I jealous. We are so bakery starved down here in South Jersey it’s not even funny.
Hi!
I have never been to New Jersey. Sounds like an interesting place to visit and eat. I am going to follow your blog. Best to you and your family!
Thom
BBQing Tips From Deep In The Heart Of Oregon
I found that gem when my car was serviced at Town Audi next door. Completely anaccidental find, but their bread made me a loyal customer.