Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hiking for my croissant

After a very rejuvenating hike last month, I decided to do it again. But whereas last month’s hike soothed my mind, this hike was unmistakably food-oriented.

I planned the hike so that I would finish at the College of San Mateo Farmers’ Market, an excellent farmers’ market perched in the hills but hard to get to without a car. What a pleasant surprise when I figured out that I could walk (actually, it’s an hour-long hike) to the market from home.

For some reason I had been craving a buttery, flaky croissant for a while. I knew Brioche Bakery, one of my favorite French bakeries in the Bay area, would be selling at the market. So I ate little for breakfast to save room for its pastries. I couldn’t wait to get there.

Brioche Bakery’s stand at the farmers’ marketBrioche Bakery’s stand at the farmers’ market

Heaven for pastry fans Heaven for pastry fans

The hike was nice as usual thanks to the fresh air and sunshine. It was a steadily upward climb, and by the time I arrived at the market, I felt I deserved my croissant. I immediately sought out Brioche Bakery’s stand and here it was - an unending spread of croissants, muffins, fruit tarts, cookies, and other pastries pulling at my senses.

I struggled to make my selections as I like almost everything before my eyes. Finally I got an almond croissant and a coconut macaroon. I swiftly found a spot to devour them.

almond croissant and coconut macaroon Difficult decisions: almond croissant and coconut macaroon

The almond croissant was just the way I wanted – flaky, topped with generous amounts of sliced almonds, and filled with fragrant, lightly sweet almond paste. Easily one of the best I’ve ever had. At $2.5, it’s amazing value.

Half-bitten almond croissant Half-eaten almond croissant – why I can’t quit butter

(My another top pick is Baltimore’s Bonaparte Breads, which sells its morning pastries at a Washington, DC farmers’ market and always attracts a long line.)

The coconut macaroon was huge and unusually chewy because it’s stuffed with coconut. A good sign that the bakery doesn’t skimp on ingredients. The macaroon was too sweet for me, but still very good.

Fresh salad greens with edible flowers at the farmers’ market Fresh salad greens with edible flowers at the farmers’ market

My sugar craving taken care of, I walked around the market and was amazed again by the variety and quality of the produce on sale. Spring produce, from asparagus to strawberries, scream fresh in their bright colors and sturdy shapes. I must come back for the produce and try some of the prepared foods.

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