"But it was my brother's discovery—that there are two Paris Baguettes operating around from the corner from each other in Times Square—that put me over the edge." Anne, this reminds me of the dueling bagel shops story. Perhaps there's a larger piece here about NYC food duels. Call it Alexander Hamilton, but with more carbs. Because I think there are quite a few dueling food outlets in New York, and I know you're just the reporter to get to the bottom of this.
One thing I'm trying to get confirmation on is who owns the two Times Square Paris Baguettes. I believe they are actually a rare example of corporate-owned rather than franchise BPs, which makes sense because the rents in Times Square are so high—they really function more as street-level billboards than anything else. Otherwise the situation makes no sense.
I believe I did suggest that story. What can I say? I'm obsessed with food duels. Also, there's that street somewhere around the lower eastside that's all Indian restaurants. Or at least it used to be. That was one helluva food duel & I really enjoyed visiting that street in a futile, but delicious attempt to crown a winner
As a Korean American I was sort of afraid to read this and the comments haha. Do you now about cafe culture in South Korea? It's really bonkers and out of this world. Paris Baguette, which is sort of like Starbucks over there, is one of the oldest chains. One of the reasons why I do like their desserts (and yes, I agree about the deliciousness of that donut - though I prefer Tous Les Jours, another South Korean chain competitor) is because they use less butter and is generally less sweet and more light than French pastries. I guess it's more agreeable or preferable to Asians (butter isn't really used in cooking).
I've never been to Korea and its so fun to hear there is a bonkers cafe culture there and that Paris Baguette is the equivelent of Starbucks.
I've never heard of Tous Le Jours and was amazed to see they are all over in NYC including Sunset Park Chinatown and near me in Dumbo. I am definitely going to check it out! Despite being a Butter Hound.
The story of the PB employee on the graveyard shift who got pulled into one of the pastry machines and whose body was discovered the next morning by her co-workers, who were required to keep working, may steer me towards the more local option...
That is truly horrific! I just crossed it off my favorite bakeries list! I will miss the milk bread. It is just like what I used to buy while living in Japan.
It's good you've found the upstairs room so you can conduct clandestine meetings in order to get to the bottom of Operative Cakes! I wonder if Paris Baguette is stocked by Operative Cakes? The plot (and the custard filling) thickens!
And I love that you managed to find a French family in there, being quietly horrified by the coffee. *Bof* and shrug.
Anne! I have to shout out Paris Baguette cakes, which are the perfect size when you are celebrating with 1-4 other people. (I find it very difficult to find cakes in NYC sized for <8 people!) They also have this insanely good pastry that is a loaf of bread where the middle is cut out and filled with whipped cream. SO good. Also there are many sad Paris Baguettes in NYC but imo the *best* one is at W32nd in K-town. Give it a visit!
That one looks tasty! But the one i am thinking of looks like this: https://parisbaguette.com.vn/product/freshcreamloafbread/ (not sure why it's only on the vietnam website). You can "tear" away a little sandwich filled with cream from the main loaf and pretend like you are just going to eat that little segment and not multiple little sandwiches in one sitting. Sometimes the loaf comes in different flavors, like ube, and then the loaf and cream is purple.
Soon as I saw the reference to the Bronx, I immediately started to forget everything and read. It is however too long and I don’t know how to save this because I don’t know anything about these devices except that I can get to certain places that I want to and then the other ones oh well
I went to a Paris Baguette the second day I moved to my new place of study/work! I went because I THOUGHT it was a one-off neighborhood cafe, not a chain! I did enjoy my braided chocolate twist, though.
I have to admit, SC, all the desserts I've tried have there so far have been pretty good, and I feel like that's fairly unusual. Dessert disappointment is something I encounter all the time and its one of the most vexing issues on this planet. So PB gets my respect even if it is a chain.
Same! Living near the Adirondacks seems so obvious to me for someone from WNY. You get all the nature while also being within 3 hours of NYC, NH, Maine, VT, CT, MA..... it's glorious!
"But it was my brother's discovery—that there are two Paris Baguettes operating around from the corner from each other in Times Square—that put me over the edge." Anne, this reminds me of the dueling bagel shops story. Perhaps there's a larger piece here about NYC food duels. Call it Alexander Hamilton, but with more carbs. Because I think there are quite a few dueling food outlets in New York, and I know you're just the reporter to get to the bottom of this.
Ah that was such a fun story, suggested by you Mr. Estrin, if I recall correctly?
https://annekadet.substack.com/i/89676079/the-bagel-shop-next-to-the-bagel-shop
One thing I'm trying to get confirmation on is who owns the two Times Square Paris Baguettes. I believe they are actually a rare example of corporate-owned rather than franchise BPs, which makes sense because the rents in Times Square are so high—they really function more as street-level billboards than anything else. Otherwise the situation makes no sense.
I believe I did suggest that story. What can I say? I'm obsessed with food duels. Also, there's that street somewhere around the lower eastside that's all Indian restaurants. Or at least it used to be. That was one helluva food duel & I really enjoyed visiting that street in a futile, but delicious attempt to crown a winner
I know just the spot you are talking about! I ate there plenty in my colllege days. Unfortunately its almost all gone...just two left!
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/nyregion/nyc-little-india-restaurants-close.html
Noooo! End of an era.
As a Korean American I was sort of afraid to read this and the comments haha. Do you now about cafe culture in South Korea? It's really bonkers and out of this world. Paris Baguette, which is sort of like Starbucks over there, is one of the oldest chains. One of the reasons why I do like their desserts (and yes, I agree about the deliciousness of that donut - though I prefer Tous Les Jours, another South Korean chain competitor) is because they use less butter and is generally less sweet and more light than French pastries. I guess it's more agreeable or preferable to Asians (butter isn't really used in cooking).
Oh that's so interesting Jenna!
I've never been to Korea and its so fun to hear there is a bonkers cafe culture there and that Paris Baguette is the equivelent of Starbucks.
I've never heard of Tous Le Jours and was amazed to see they are all over in NYC including Sunset Park Chinatown and near me in Dumbo. I am definitely going to check it out! Despite being a Butter Hound.
I didn’t know there was one in Dumbo! We usually go to the Ktown one. It’s big enough that even on busy 32nd street, you can usually find seating.
As Korean who had been going to Paris baguette in Korea in the 80s, I read this with a big laugh. I miss when it felt “fancy” when it first opened!
Oh that's so interesting to hear Unha!
It does seem to be aiming at a sort of fancy vibe now, which I like.
The story of the PB employee on the graveyard shift who got pulled into one of the pastry machines and whose body was discovered the next morning by her co-workers, who were required to keep working, may steer me towards the more local option...
Oh nos! This is horrible!
https://www.vice.com/en/article/paris-baguette-is-being-boycotted-after-a-factory-worker-was-found-crushed-in-a-machine/
That is truly horrific! I just crossed it off my favorite bakeries list! I will miss the milk bread. It is just like what I used to buy while living in Japan.
Anita, if you keep buying your milk bread at Paris Baguette I won't tell anyone.
Another fun read. Happy sigh. (Reading the comments is always a good way to continue the fun.)
I agree Beth! I love reading all the comments on Mondays!
It's good you've found the upstairs room so you can conduct clandestine meetings in order to get to the bottom of Operative Cakes! I wonder if Paris Baguette is stocked by Operative Cakes? The plot (and the custard filling) thickens!
And I love that you managed to find a French family in there, being quietly horrified by the coffee. *Bof* and shrug.
OMG the idea that Paris Baguette is supplied by Operative Cakes me laugh so hard, Helen. Why didn't I make that connection?
And yes, I felt pretty pleased with my encounter with the French family. Sometimes the universe just provides.
I doubt I’ll be the only person saying this: Your brother’s a cutie!
Yes a handsome feller indeed!
I agree. 😃💕
😳
Anne! I have to shout out Paris Baguette cakes, which are the perfect size when you are celebrating with 1-4 other people. (I find it very difficult to find cakes in NYC sized for <8 people!) They also have this insanely good pastry that is a loaf of bread where the middle is cut out and filled with whipped cream. SO good. Also there are many sad Paris Baguettes in NYC but imo the *best* one is at W32nd in K-town. Give it a visit!
Oh it makes sense the best one would be in K-Town, Claudia!
And is this the pastry you're recommending? The butter cream bread?
https://parisbaguette.com/product/butter-cream-bread/
That one looks tasty! But the one i am thinking of looks like this: https://parisbaguette.com.vn/product/freshcreamloafbread/ (not sure why it's only on the vietnam website). You can "tear" away a little sandwich filled with cream from the main loaf and pretend like you are just going to eat that little segment and not multiple little sandwiches in one sitting. Sometimes the loaf comes in different flavors, like ube, and then the loaf and cream is purple.
Oh its a whole loaf!
Now I WANT.
Soon as I saw the reference to the Bronx, I immediately started to forget everything and read. It is however too long and I don’t know how to save this because I don’t know anything about these devices except that I can get to certain places that I want to and then the other ones oh well
About as good a description of the internet as you can get!
LOL
Didn’t see that perspective
now am thinking for double sure to
do else
All I Ned to know is how to save to read when am not in the midst of packing
Sorry for the trouble Maggie!
delightful issue once i got around the idea your brother wasnt actually from Philly and over the image of you collecting
cash donations in an overstuffed
pillowcase down at your building entry
Haha Mr. King I love the idea of me robbing my own mailbox and filling my pillowcase with cash!
Am I the only nosey weirdo who looked at your apartment on StreetEasy? I admire your bountiful closets/storage.
OMG is it really on street easy Jet??
So funny.
Wow it really is.
And yes it's true. I have a HUGE walk-in closet which is very unusual for a one bedroom in NYC.
I went to a Paris Baguette the second day I moved to my new place of study/work! I went because I THOUGHT it was a one-off neighborhood cafe, not a chain! I did enjoy my braided chocolate twist, though.
I have to admit, SC, all the desserts I've tried have there so far have been pretty good, and I feel like that's fairly unusual. Dessert disappointment is something I encounter all the time and its one of the most vexing issues on this planet. So PB gets my respect even if it is a chain.
Dessert Disappointment is an epidemic!!
Agree!
I didn't realize you were from B-Lo! I'm from outside of Rochester myself. :)
What is surprising to me, Racheal, is how rarely I encounter folks here who are from either city. To me its such an obvious move!
Same! Living near the Adirondacks seems so obvious to me for someone from WNY. You get all the nature while also being within 3 hours of NYC, NH, Maine, VT, CT, MA..... it's glorious!
you should do a deep dive into these asian bakeries which has its origins in japan before they spread to other east asian countries
If it means sampling a custard tart at every Asian bakery in the city then I am ON BOARD, FNY!
567 7th Avenue it is if I ever visit NYC. Remember to order a King cream...
Also please sample all the rest and let me know your thoughts David! The "Coffee Danish" is next on my list.
Interesting discussion about the culture, people and products.