Since 2014, the French Bakery on Federal Highway has turned out artisan French breads, pastries and cookies, handcrafted by French-trained pâtissiers and local artisan bakers. Baked daily in a Bongard bread oven, baguettes, boule, epis, rye and prized sourdough turn out expertly. Hand-rolled croissants, pain au chocolat, brioche and tarts using the best natural ingredients are created in an open-production bakery. A covered patio (self-service, dog-friendly) is where you’ll enjoy a latte or tea with a delicious pastry or gourmet sandwich like cream cheese and smoked salmon on baguette. Our favorites: Almond Chocolate croissant, Pistachio White Chocolate Almond Croissant, Apple Croissant, Brioche, Walnut Raisin bread, Quadruple Chocolate Walnut Pecan cookies, and perfect butter cookies. French Bakery 814 NE 6th Ave Delray Daily 8-6
Classically-trained Patissier Alain Bouchard did a stint at The French Bakery across the street in years past, but he’s created his own niche and following. (Think Geno’s and rival Pat’s Steaks in Philly.) The customer decides! Bouchard utilizes high-quality ingredients for plain, chocolate, almond, chocolate almond, and coconut croissants; apricot almond and apple tarts; coffee, pistachio, vanilla, chocolate and Oreo eclairs; mixed berry brioche; and macarons.
Stunning cakes in the Parisien style can be ordered. No room to eat inside, but a garden table out front suffices for Lavazza and a lemon tart. Maison Bouchard 825 NE 6th Ave Delray Wed.- Mon.
