What’s it like to visit a chic cafe in the middle of the 11th arrondissement? I’m not sure. But I can tell you what it’s like to be at the next best thing in NYC – Le Petit Parisien. Located in Midtown East, Le Petit Parisien is a quaint escape from the usual fast-casual restaurants in midtown. Sure you may think you’re getting authenticity from some of these other French-inspired cafes, but word on the street is Le Petit Parisien has their flour and baguettes imported directly from its homeland.
Since I’ve been on my vegetarian streak, I’m obsessed with the ‘Bridgette Bardot’ – artichoke, fresh goat cheese, kale, tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil. You have to eat it with the truffle chips and wash it all down with sparkling lemonade.
Interestingly enough, the baguette’s origins are unknown. According to Wikipedia and other sources, the baguette was a creation from an Austrian officer named August Zang (also credited to have introduced France to the croissant). Baguettes are made in deck or steam ovens. The steam allows the crust to expand before setting, thus creating a lighter, airier loaf. It also melts the dextrose on the bread’s surface, giving a slightly glazed effect. The slim shape of the baguette was also introduced to speed up bakery production in the ’20s. And as we know it today, the baguette is a staple among French, particularly Parisian, culture.
Le Petit Parisien has two NYC locations:
251 E. 53rd St., New York, NY 10022
32 E. 7th St., New York, NY 10003
Thank you Same Paige Co. & Le Petit Parisien
Photos: Max Twitty
