The French Baker's croissants, cookies, and classic pastries photo: Ben Welland

So it was with great pleasure that I decided to throw caution to the wind this week and review one of the nicest places in Ottawa to grab your daily hit of caffeine - The French Baker. I must admit it was hardly my first trip to the bakery. I discovered The French Baker in college when I moved just a few blocks away from the Market location. It wasn't long before a stop at The French Baker became a part of my daily routine. I'd pass by on my way to the bus, ready with a handful of change, greedily awaiting a pain au chocolat, still warm from the oven. It was a small luxury I afforded myself, even on a student's budget.

The newer Glebe location features bistro tables and a sleeker aesthetic. A pair of spectacular plants in the window and a beautiful array of brightly coloured mid-century modern chairs perk up the bakery's stark white interior.

Early one morning, I eyed the classic French pastries showcased along the lengthy counter, unable to make a decision. Hastily, I decided to get one of everything, and a cup of Illy coffee to go. I tried the pain aux raisins first, a gorgeous combination of pastry cream and plump raisins soaked in rum. The next morning I tried an almond croissant, twice-baked and made from a day-old chocolatine. It was an indulgent treat to be sure, but at only a few bucks apiece, it's hardly something to feel guilty about. Their brioches, croissants and tart apple turnovers are also exceptionally good.

As we enter this new climate of financial responsibility, I wonder if we can't make a little room in our budgets for life's simpler pleasures. Just enough room perhaps, to enjoy a decent cup of joe and a perfect croissant.

The French Baker
(801 Bank St. and 119 Murray St.)
(613) 236-7579 (Bank)
(613) 789-7941 (Murray)
Pastries: $1.60-$3.10
 
 

		Write your comment on this article!

Nothing wrong with this     Stuff it, Kerri There's only so many restaurants in the city, and the French Baker is as deserving of review as any other.
Bradley Strider		May 7th, 2010
Piece of Heaven in your Hands "Croissants" of the French Baker     I have been at the French Baker several times and I find their Croissants totally out of this world their texture melt in your mouth flaky and scrumptious to the palate the taste lingers for a long time after you have devoured them, you can just eat them just like that or perhaps with a little marmalade, they are frankly the best between Ottawa and Montreal and other cities to name of few. You can easily have two of them to go, with their delicious coffee "Illy", they are a piece of heaven in your hands (Croissants), actually everything in the French Baker is amazing their pastries "Blow you Away", rich creamy and did I mention their filling of belgum chocolate in their Croissants the best "AWESOME" CHEERS!
Marianne Guint		May 13th, 2009
The absolute best croissants in the world!!!!     I've been all over France, throughout Paris, and I've never tasted croissants as good as I have had at the French Baker. Go give 'em a try!
Nancy Nadeau		May 8th, 2009
Your Past     Why are we commenting on establisled businesses? Why are we commenting on the "food writer"s favourite places? Tell this to your friends or people who won't tell you to shut up. There are many restaurants in Ottawa. Great places. Let's review them. If the reviewer has favourite places. Fine. Go there. It is not necessary to use the food colum you are paid for to tell the City about them. Do your job. Review restaurants. In Ottawa. Not your favorite places. That is your personal life. Not part of the column you are paid for.
Kerri Lynn Bulger		May 7th, 2009

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