Maybe competition is the wrong word. I mean, can I really compete with Tim Horton’s? Their top notch donuts, chewy bagels, their quintessential Canadian-ness? A port in any road-trip storm?
I’m going to make a bold statement here, so I hope you’re sitting down:
Yes. I. Can.
When it comes to croissants, at least. Last week I visited La Boheme, a lovely French bakery in midtown. That’s where I should really be doing this comparative research. Last week, I did make the pilgrimage for the croissants. Unfortunately, the croque monsieur and pain au chocolat won out. But the experience could hardly be described as a failure. Quite the contrary. It was a grand success! The pain au chocolat, in particular, was almost beyond words. I have no complaints.
Besides, maybe I’m not quite ready to put my skills up against the gold standard, especially on my first attempt. Comparing my croissants to that of a French patissier is just too much for my ego.
On this cold morning, my best option was Timmie’s. Affordable, and more importantly, right across the street from my warm apartment. Oh, and open at 7:30 am (don’t ask).
So this is what a dollar and change will get you for a croissant at our nation’s coffee shop:
I’m pleasantly surprised. The outside is crispy and flaky, but holds together well enough to get it cleanly into your mouth in one piece. Not a huge problem in the privacy of my own home, but important none the less. As much as I love French pastries, I do not want to wear them! The lamination (layers of dough and butter) are clearly visible and responsible for the light texture. The dough inside is moist, buttery and chewy, just as it should be. Overall, a pretty darn good specimen! I’m starting to wonder if I really need to bother spending days prepping and baking my own from scratch…
But wait! That is the whole point! Of course I will make my own croissants, I will enjoy the entire process, and let’s face it, mine will surely taste superior! Over confident? Yes, possibly…No! Wait! Just confident enough.
Tomorrow: The story of my croissants…Watch out Tim Horton’s!
Comments (2)
Hmm…interesting. I’ve gotta say, Tim’s do a mean baked good. Speaking of chains – I had one from Petite Thuet the other day and it was awesome!!
Ooh Petite Thuet, yes. There is a location just down the street from me that I will definitely have to try…thanks for the suggestion.