At the beginning of the summer I kept hearing about a French bakery in Hyannis on Cape Cod called Pain D'Avignon. I was hopeful I would make it out there, but with September looming, I still haven't been able to make the trip.
I was feeling bummed until I learned that you can actually get the fresh baked Pain D'Avignon treats right here in the city! They set up shop at the Government Center Farmer's Market on Mondays, the Dewey Square Farmer's Market by South Station on Tuesdays and the SoWa Open Market on Sundays. That's three chances to get the freshly baked bread without having to cross the bridge.
Though bread is certainly one of their specialities, the bakery also makes breakfast pastry. I sampled the classic French croissant, both the plain and the chocolate. Both varieties were light in my hand, flaky and so buttery! It felt like eating dessert! I would definitely recommended splitting a croissant with a friend, they are too rich to eat a whole one by yourself.
It is also worth nothing that croissants still taste delicious on day two, so if you pick up a bunch and don't finish them all that day, you're still good.
One of my favorite options at the Pain D'Avignon booth is the fig jam tartine. It's like an open face, light sandwich. It's topped with fig jam and brie. The sweetness of the fig is amazing and again, makes it feel like you're indulging in dessert.
Pain D'Avignon's signature item is their demi baguette. If you dine in their restaurant, you actually get to take a loaf home every time you visit.
Look how beautiful that bread is!
It takes a little bit of elbow grease to cut up the loaf and beware, it makes quite a mess! I had crumbs everywhere.
This bread is best on day one and tastes excellent with a little bit of butter as the start to your dinner. It's perfect bread basket bread.
The multi grain light bread is the ideal sandwich bread. It goes well with deli, cheese, lettuce, tomato and a quick spread of mayo or mustard.
I love the oats on the outside. I couldn't get enough of this bread. I even wound up using some for toast in the morning with a little bit of raspberry jam.
Besides the pastries and the breads, the bakery also makes all kinds of crackers, a dream for any hostess.
A fell in love with the nutty flavor of the sesame crackers.
These are such a nice alternative to Triscuits or Wheat Thins.
My absolute favorite Pain D'Avignon offering is their parmesan crisps. They are so addicting! They are made from focaccia bread and are covered with a thin layer of crispy cheese.
If you are into garlic, the garlic crostini is perfect for bruschetta. They are made from Pain D'Avignon's sourdough bread. As soon as you snip open the plastic wrap, your entire kitchen will fill with the smell of garlic.
I liked the idea of serving the parmesan crisps and garlic crostini together. You have to have options.
Look at that tasty parmesan!
I feel like you can smell the garlic through this close up, no?
To end things on a sweet note, I tested Pain D'Avignon's flour less brownie. This was the most dense brownie I have ever had. It tasted like fudge and just like the croissant, there is no way you can finish it by yourself in one sitting.
I had half my brownie on the first night and on the second night, I put it into a bowl and topped it with mud pie frozen yogurt.
Though I may not have made it all the way to Hyannis to visit the Pain D'Avignon bakery, I am so happy I can enjoy their sweet and savory (and garlicy!) treats anytime right here in Boston.
Have you sampled any of the Pain D'Avignon specialties? Do you have a favorite?
