perfection!
Ok, so I have been on a little hiatus from my blog for a few weeks. This morning, however, I happily and easily resumed my writing as I had the perfect subject and the best of motivation………..
There are few things that make me happier or are more inspiring than visiting a great bakery, especially in this country. Having been thoroughly spoiled this Spring in Paris, I came home with a particularly jaded view of the art form here. Even a lot of New York bakeries are disappointing to me. I’m sorry. My experiences in pastry school gave me a very deep appreciation for the talent and skill involved in and rarity of executing truly great pastry.
It’s always been perplexing to me that the owners of PB Boulangerie selected this precise spot and took the risk of opening their operation in South Wellfleet. This just always seemed like such an unlikely spot – not in-town, not in an especially high traffic area, and certainly not in a swanky beach location like the Hamptons or something. But, I’m so glad they did.
Ryan, Christin and I went off there last week in search of their favorites – pain au chocolat, totally forgetting that it was Monday (closed). It was a disappointment. So, being that our time together here for the Summer is winding down quickly, I decided Christin and I should venture out this morning – even though it is a humid day – we decided to take our chances. Again, I’m so glad we did. Sampling bakery specialties on a humid day could be considered to be the ultimate test of a great baker – if you can pull off a great croissant dough today, well, you are a champion. And, they did!
On Summer mornings you can expect to wait in line outside the bakery. The restaurant is not open for breakfast but you are welcome to enjoy your selections on the porch. Christin and I stood in line today for about 20 minutes. NO problem for me. I began instantly to notice the aromas of baking bread wafting out the door and it immediately sent me into a babbling swoon (just ask Christin who becomes alarmed when I do this). There were many “Oh my Gods, why don’t I work here, why don’t I live here and oh, I wish we had come here every day this Summer/good thing we didn’t come here every morning all Summer'”. This is precisely the kind of place which gives me all the impulses to open my own shop. Of course, I don’t have any such pedigree like Philippe Rispoli, nor anywhere near the skills of his bakers, but boy wouldn’t I love to work here for a couple of Summers and see if they’d send me off to Lyon for some remedial training! All I can tell you is if you are anywhere near the Cape or, of course, on the Cape, it is worth the drive here to get to experience their offerings. One word for this experience – sublime! One word for their efforts? Just great! (that’s 2 words). Please go! You won’t be sorry!
You can read all about the genius behind this establishment here: http://www.philipperispoli.com/
Here is the selection of quick pics from our visit:
waiting in line – the anticipation
beautiful baguette
croque monsieur, need any better reason to come back later?
selection of breads with more in the oven
pastry case
lovely
lovely
more lovely
Christin’s lunch w Brie and Ham
delish
Christin would eat all of these
in the prep kitchen
they have a really well designed and spacious kitchen!
Ok, so our expedition this morning was definitely successful. I was so happy and my brain chemicals so sufficiently stimulated, that as I was gushing about it all, I nearly ran a red light on Rt. 6! Christin was traumatized……..
In closing, all I can say is that you can FEEL the love of the art and perhaps a little homesickness for Lyon here. There is French music playing and a wonderful mural painted on the wall. It’s wonderful!
Must go back tomorrow – didn’t have any almond croissants today!!!! 🙂
extra goodies to go:
