One of my favorite Saturday morning rituals is getting breakfast with the family at Paris Baguette. For Asians, bakeries are less about dessert (end of the day) and more about getting fresh bread in the morning with coffee. That’s why they aren’t open that late (since most of the stuff sells out anyway by that time!).
Paris Baguette is a fusion between Asian and French styles of baking. They currently operate over 1,700 stores in 3 countries. Just now, they are breaking into the American market with stores in NY, NJ, PA and California. In New Jersey the only two locations are in Palisades Park and Fort Lee—right here in Bergen County!
Step inside the store and the wonderful aroma of fresh bread will greet you. You can see them either preparing or bringing out fresh trays of bread from the baking area. The seating area gets crowded easily but is comfy and allows you to check out what other people are getting.
Once I saw a couple buy a loaf of bread and share it. They weren’t Asian but they said they love eating there because of the great quality and freshness of ingredients.
As you enter there is a hot glass container on your right. This holds the croquettes. They are a Japanese staple and well worth a try. I like the vegetable and curry variety. It’s like a little hot pocket with a fried outside…but the dough reminds me of zeppole dough somehow. It’s not heavy and just the perfect mix of flavors and texture.
They also have various types of red bean bread. Koreans love red bean paste—it’s sweet and comes in a donut form or in a soft white bread. My absolute favorite are the chocolate twists: Feuillette Chocolate. Kind of like palmiere’s but not as flaky—it has just the right amount of chocolate scattered on top and inside. These tend to sell out by the afternoon.
The ham and cheese bread or sausage and onion bread are a nice snack—a little more hearty than the other offerings. The iced coffee is very good as well. It is already mixed up so you don’t have to add cream or sugar. Once it was a little too sweet but usually they get the combo right.
Their cakes are light as air and a little on the pricey side. Asians don’t like their cakes too sweet—they love lots of fruit in there, too. I’m used to heavy buttercream and butter- based cakes but if you’ve had a heavy dinner these cakes are a nice, light alternative.
Don’t be intimidated if you feel like a minority here…all the patrons love bread and pastries and in that find a common bond! Bon Appetit!
Locations
Fort Lee
1635 Lemoine Ave
Palisades Park
408 Broad Avenue
About the author
Mira S. Park is a North Jersey blogger who focuses on local news and events, kids, food, parties, travel and budget living. After more than 10 years in the book publishing industry as an editor for romance, thrillers and westerns, she transitioned into work at home positions. Besides being a wife and mother of two wonderful children she also does sales and consulting for online advertising and social media. You can email her at: mira.park@drivenlocal.com and read her blog at: www.mirabest.com
