Les Madeleines
Since moving back to Salt Lake City from Portland in the summer of 2005, we have been pining away for the incredible croissants at our former neighborhood stop, Pearl Bakery. We'd begun to think that crisp, buttery croissants were going to have to be a plane ride away. That is, until we met Vanessa, writer of fellow SLC blog She Craves, who graciously pointed out that SLC patisserie, Les Madeleines, offers up beautiful, buttery croissants from scratch two days a week!
It's no surprise that we hadn't tripped across Les Madeleines before. It happens to be located on State Street, one of those roads that we just don't travel much, short of needing an oil change or a new car. So you can imagine our surprise when we found out that behind the cinderblock structure with a lime green awning located at 660 S. State are the city's best croissants--on Fridays and Saturdays, that is.
The best $1.95 you can spend in Salt Lake City on a Friday or Saturday.
But incredible croissants are just the beginning. Les Madeleines is best known for its Kouing-aman; so much so that they've had to institute a limit on how many one can buy on a visit. As the signage sweetly explains, this is so that every customer has a chance to buy one (though they will happily take pre-orders for as many as you'd like). I've yet to indulge in the Meyer Lemon Meringue Tartlette, which I stare at longingly during every visit. Gauging from the thick peaks of meringue, when I do give in I won't be disappointed.
And so began my new routine of driving down to Les Madeleines every Saturday morning for a few croissants, which I bring home to J and his awaiting cappucini. It isn't a cheap habit--or one that is particularly low in calories--but there is something immensely satisfying about supporting someone who offers a delicious, local alternative to mass-produced baked goods. Do I selfishly wish Les Madeleines were closer to my neighborhood? Sure. Will that stop me from driving down there every Saturday in my pajamas to feed our craving? Not a chance.
- K
Les Madeleines Patisserie and Cafe
216 East 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 355-2294
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posted by K and J at 10:28 PM
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