Swung by this morning hoping they would have fresh croissants or something, but only saw that they had a few loafs of bread + coffee. Will give them a few days to get into the swing of things before trying again.
I was in this morning> They opened at 9 there was a line by 8:50. First three people bought 25 or so of the 30 croissants that were ready. Got a banquette and iced coffee both were fantastic.
Extremely, extremely poor planning here. We've been several times and got a loaf of bread once. One has to question the business sense behind the operation and how long it will be around. I'm in no rush to go back.
Plus, the huge table with shared jelly seems weird. It might work for groups, but two friends arne't going to want sit next to strangers who can hear what they're saying.
Been to Boulangerie 3 times. Firts 2 times, no bread. Third time, this morning, 2 pieces of bread and a tray of freshly burned croissants. They really need help.
I've been making bread for about a week. I use a breadmaker machine to prepare the dough, then mo;d the loaf, cover it with a slight coating of egg white and corn meal. The bread comes out in about a ha;f hour.
They should change the name to "La We Have No Bread" even though we are a "bakery". I stopped by this morning at 8:45 am on my way to work. I thought I would support a local establishment and to my surprise there were NO Chocolate Croissants and there were a mere 6 loaves of bread in the basket. I mean Excuse me - you are running a bakery. In the words of an old Wendy's commercial, "Where's the Bread?"
I would love for these people to get their act together but I do not see the same pleasant attitude that Emily's owners have. They told us to be patient that more was coming and they were right. Emily's went from homey to Country Chic.
I would suggest these owners talk to Emily's owners.
Again, I just do not understand how you open a bakery and have no product to sell when someone in walking to the train. I would think this would be their primary existence. Well, Gotta Get a Bagel did have a bagel at the ready.
I know this situation may be frustrating to some people, but as the owner of this blog and one who obsesses about almost every little thing that happens here in Forest Hills all I can say is what a refreshing change! To actually have a place that people want food from so badly they are angrily denouncing the place because it does not have enough! I am thrilled! :)
Also, as you wrote, they did indeed have six loaves of bread so it is not like they had "no product." And this is from their Facebook page, FYI: "Due to overwhelming demand, for several days, La Boulangerie will have limited hours as well as a limited menu. We are doing everything in our power and quickly increasing our baking staff in order to meet all your needs.
We apologize for the inconvenience and feel truly blessed by your warm welcome to Forest Hills."
They do need to step it up and bake a whole lot more bread! They need to take a look at 'Gotta get a Bagel' and see what kind of demand a busy metropolis like Forest Hills puts on a business serving breakfast food! The bread is sooo delicious - it's worth ordering it in advance, but it's definitely a turn-off to arrive at a bakery and they're out of bread in the morning! I hope they figure it out quickly.
I have no dog in this fight. I want to see all businesses succeed as this side of Austin Street has been ignored for too long.
However, you seem to be somewhat partial in this instance. You have personally condemned other businesses for such failings. They are a bakery and make only bread. So, explain how you do not have bread. Was the oven broken, baker late, give me some explanation. There is none. I have lived in Forest Hills long enough (10 years) to know there was NO mad rush prior to 8:45 am this morning to wipe them clean out of bread.
I remember you recently remarking how "disappointed" you were with Emily's. They actually had product to sell from candies, to truffles, to cups, bags and more.
Yet, you now defend the indefensible. There is no possible excuse to have a mere 6 loaves of bread at 8:45 am. They are a bakery! I suggest the owners go to Gotta Get a Bagel, Martha's and Europan to see how a bakery is to be run.
Sorry for the strong nature of this post but it seems like you are being partial.
Never said I was disappointed in Emily's as far as I can recall. Liked the idea of the candy store from the start. Unless I am forgetting one minor comment or instance. Show me where I said it.
Also, I don't condemn personally anything or anyone. If I don't think a business is very good, I simply don't spend much time covering it anymore.
I stand by what I said in my other comment. Much rather have a great business selling awesome food that people can't get enough of and need to wait on line to get. We need more places like that.
Drake: We are arguing the same side of the same coin. I want this bakery to succeed. Make no mistake about it. I love fresh baked bread. I just do not believe the story being put out that there was such an overwhelming demand that they sold out everyday before 9am. Come on. That does not even happen on the busiest streets in Manhattan. And, if the demand is that great, maybe I will open a bakery and hire a baker to bake bread and have bread to sell.
Here is your comment about Emily's verbatim and you will note the word "disappointing". I say is it NOT disappointing to go to bakery that professes to sell bread and they have no bread. The French would start a revolution over such things.
________ A friend of mine felt the exact same way you do, that much of the candy could be found in any drugstore. That is disappointing. Hopefully, they will introduce some more hard-to-find candy, like some of the older nostalgia brands, or even their own store brand. On a more positive note, I have to say it's a very cute little place and when I went in today it was very crowded - a lot of kids in there. So it is already on its way to becoming a neighborhood favorite. It's a very good idea - there isn't another store like it on Austin. I haven't tried the cake slices - if you do, let us know what you think.
I have not heard anything about that Blockbuster news... very interesting! Do you think they will finally move a Shake Shack into that space? One can only pray.
Running a Bakery is a lot of work that start at 1AM in order to have bread ready in the morning. I don't think La Boulangerie's owner start that early.
Well, when you have a single person buying up 25 of the 30 croissants available (see a previous post by an anonymous contributor -- not me -- on July 16, 2011 at 11:17 AM), no wonder they run out of product early! Best if those kinds of people had a bit more consideration for all those others in line!
Bagette - Great when out of oven, Crisp, tasty - 1 hour later it is rubber. Litterally rubber.
Plain Croissant - Bought two - both slightly burnt - would rate good to Ok - nothing exceptional
Chocolate Croissant - Should have went back for a refund - There was so little chocolate, they should have called it - a croissant with a chocolate chip and the chocolate was bitter.
Overall rating - had better at naturals except for the Multigrain Bread which was great. Everything else is simply Ok.
I will try from time to time but there is really nothing that will keep me going back over and over.
Oh, I have been there now a couple of times - and waited to post to see how they are developing. I DO NOT believe the story of the 30 croissant taker. Its pure fantasy and probably written by the owner of the store.
Of course everyone's experience is different but I feel like I had to put my two cents in about the following:
I had the chocolate croissant yesterday and found it to be great. Plenty of chocolate.
I've gotten the bagette two times. I don't know what you mean by rubbery. I had one of them over 3 days and each day it was a thousand times better and fresher than any breads I have bought in the supermarket.
Oh, and the croissants I have had (about 3 so far, each bought on a different day), have never, ever been the least bit burnt. They have been perfect actually.
I just purchased the bagette - I have to agree with the anonymous - I would agree Rubber in the sense of chewy - not the least bit of crackle.
Croissant - I have not been lucky enough to taste yet - NEVER have any. I know they exist because people talk about them - just have not been able to get one.
I have to disagree with you Drake - Naturals is overall a better experience.
great! give me time to grab a loaf of bread from the supermarket!
ReplyDeletehttp://allrecipes.com/Recipe/french-bread/detail.aspx
ReplyDeleteGreat! Let me know how your Key Food bread comes out.
ReplyDeleteSwung by this morning hoping they would have fresh croissants or something, but only saw that they had a few loafs of bread + coffee. Will give them a few days to get into the swing of things before trying again.
ReplyDeleteI was in this morning> They opened at 9 there was a line by 8:50. First three people bought 25 or so of the 30 croissants that were ready. Got a banquette and iced coffee both were fantastic.
ReplyDeleteExtremely, extremely poor planning here. We've been several times and got a loaf of bread once. One has to question the business sense behind the operation and how long it will be around. I'm in no rush to go back.
ReplyDeletePlus, the huge table with shared jelly seems weird. It might work for groups, but two friends arne't going to want sit next to strangers who can hear what they're saying.
Been to Boulangerie 3 times. Firts 2 times, no bread. Third time, this morning, 2 pieces of bread and a tray of freshly burned croissants. They really need help.
ReplyDeleteI've been making bread for about a week. I use a breadmaker machine to prepare the dough, then mo;d the loaf, cover it with a slight coating of egg white and corn meal. The bread comes out in about a ha;f hour.
ReplyDeleteThey should change the name to "La We Have No Bread" even though we are a "bakery". I stopped by this morning at 8:45 am on my way to work. I thought I would support a local establishment and to my surprise there were NO Chocolate Croissants and there were a mere 6 loaves of bread in the basket. I mean Excuse me - you are running a bakery. In the words of an old Wendy's commercial, "Where's the Bread?"
ReplyDeleteI would love for these people to get their act together but I do not see the same pleasant attitude that Emily's owners have. They told us to be patient that more was coming and they were right. Emily's went from homey to Country Chic.
I would suggest these owners talk to Emily's owners.
Again, I just do not understand how you open a bakery and have no product to sell when someone in walking to the train. I would think this would be their primary existence. Well, Gotta Get a Bagel did have a bagel at the ready.
I know this situation may be frustrating to some people, but as the owner of this blog and one who obsesses about almost every little thing that happens here in Forest Hills all I can say is what a refreshing change! To actually have a place that people want food from so badly they are angrily denouncing the place because it does not have enough! I am thrilled! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, as you wrote, they did indeed have six loaves of bread so it is not like they had "no product." And this is from their Facebook page, FYI:
ReplyDelete"Due to overwhelming demand, for several days, La Boulangerie will have limited hours as well as a limited menu. We are doing everything in our power and quickly increasing our baking staff in order to meet all your needs.
We apologize for the inconvenience and feel truly blessed by your warm welcome to Forest Hills."
They do need to step it up and bake a whole lot more bread! They need to take a look at 'Gotta
ReplyDeleteget a Bagel' and see what kind of demand a busy metropolis like Forest Hills puts on a business serving breakfast food! The bread is sooo delicious - it's worth ordering it in advance, but it's definitely a turn-off to arrive at a bakery and they're out of bread in the morning! I hope they figure it out quickly.
Was just there, got a baguette and also noticed they have like 4 different pre-made sandwiches, and a lot of focaccia bread.
ReplyDeleteDrake,
ReplyDeleteI have no dog in this fight. I want to see all businesses succeed as this side of Austin Street has been ignored for too long.
However, you seem to be somewhat partial in this instance. You have personally condemned other businesses for such failings. They are a bakery and make only bread. So, explain how you do not have bread. Was the oven broken, baker late, give me some explanation. There is none. I have lived in Forest Hills long enough (10 years) to know there was NO mad rush prior to 8:45 am this morning to wipe them clean out of bread.
I remember you recently remarking how "disappointed" you were with Emily's. They actually had product to sell from candies, to truffles, to cups, bags and more.
Yet, you now defend the indefensible. There is no possible excuse to have a mere 6 loaves of bread at 8:45 am. They are a bakery! I suggest the owners go to Gotta Get a Bagel, Martha's and Europan to see how a bakery is to be run.
Sorry for the strong nature of this post but it seems like you are being partial.
Thank You,
George S.
Never said I was disappointed in Emily's as far as I can recall. Liked the idea of the candy store from the start. Unless I am forgetting one minor comment or instance. Show me where I said it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I don't condemn personally anything or anyone. If I don't think a business is very good, I simply don't spend much time covering it anymore.
I stand by what I said in my other comment. Much rather have a great business selling awesome food that people can't get enough of and need to wait on line to get. We need more places like that.
Drake:
ReplyDeleteWe are arguing the same side of the same coin. I want this bakery to succeed. Make no mistake about it. I love fresh baked bread. I just do not believe the story being put out that there was such an overwhelming demand that they sold out everyday before 9am. Come on. That does not even happen on the busiest streets in Manhattan. And, if the demand is that great, maybe I will open a bakery and hire a baker to bake bread and have bread to sell.
Here is your comment about Emily's verbatim and you will note the word "disappointing". I say is it NOT disappointing to go to bakery that professes to sell bread and they have no bread. The French would start a revolution over such things.
________
A friend of mine felt the exact same way you do, that much of the candy could be found in any drugstore. That is disappointing. Hopefully, they will introduce some more hard-to-find candy, like some of the older nostalgia brands, or even their own store brand.
On a more positive note, I have to say it's a very cute little place and when I went in today it was very crowded - a lot of kids in there. So it is already on its way to becoming a neighborhood favorite. It's a very good idea - there isn't another store like it on Austin.
I haven't tried the cake slices - if you do, let us know what you think.
-----
Thanks,
George S.
I would hardly say my comment that you quote above has me "condemning," as you put it, anything.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the demand for exceptional food in Forest Hills is off the charts, in fact. And why shouldn't it be?
So if you do not believe their version of the story, what is your theory?
My theory is that they are simply well meaning, talented owners and baker who are incompetent when it comes to running a business.
ReplyDeleteThey need a manager - who understands supply and demand.
That is all. I will try the Vienna Cafe soon.
I hear the Europan / Aged owners took over block buster, any news on that.
George S.
I have not heard anything about that Blockbuster news... very interesting! Do you think they will finally move a Shake Shack into that space? One can only pray.
ReplyDeleteRunning a Bakery is a lot of work that start at 1AM in order to have bread ready in the morning. I don't think La Boulangerie's owner start that early.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they ever really started
ReplyDeleteWell, when you have a single person buying up 25 of the 30 croissants available (see a previous post by an anonymous contributor -- not me -- on July 16, 2011 at 11:17 AM), no wonder they run out of product early! Best if those kinds of people had a bit more consideration for all those others in line!
ReplyDeleteHere is the simple truth about this place.
ReplyDeleteMultigrain Nut Bread - Excellent
Bagette - Great when out of oven, Crisp, tasty - 1 hour later it is rubber. Litterally rubber.
Plain Croissant - Bought two - both slightly burnt - would rate good to Ok - nothing exceptional
Chocolate Croissant - Should have went back for a refund - There was so little chocolate, they should have called it - a croissant with a chocolate chip and the chocolate was bitter.
Overall rating - had better at naturals except for the Multigrain Bread which was great. Everything else is simply Ok.
I will try from time to time but there is really nothing that will keep me going back over and over.
Oh, I have been there now a couple of times - and waited to post to see how they are developing. I DO NOT believe the story of the 30 croissant taker. Its pure fantasy and probably written by the owner of the store.
Of course everyone's experience is different but I feel like I had to put my two cents in about the following:
ReplyDeleteI had the chocolate croissant yesterday and found it to be great. Plenty of chocolate.
I've gotten the bagette two times. I don't know what you mean by rubbery. I had one of them over 3 days and each day it was a thousand times better and fresher than any breads I have bought in the supermarket.
Oh, and the croissants I have had (about 3 so far, each bought on a different day), have never, ever been the least bit burnt. They have been perfect actually.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased the bagette - I have to agree with the anonymous - I would agree Rubber in the sense of chewy - not the least bit of crackle.
ReplyDeleteCroissant - I have not been lucky enough to taste yet - NEVER have any. I know they exist because people talk about them - just have not been able to get one.
I have to disagree with you Drake - Naturals is overall a better experience.
I wish them well - but probably wont go back.
What does Natural have to do with La Boulangerie? Am I missing something? One is a natural foods store, the other is a bakery?
ReplyDeleteAt least Natural has a larger selection of breads
ReplyDelete