Daily Crack - La Bergamote French Patisserie
After writing the piece about Café Beaujolais in Mendocino last week, I realized I needed to tell you about my favorite little patisserie in Manhattan, La Bergamote. Located in what use to be the far reaches of West Chelsea, this little patisserie opened 10 years ago.
At the time the neighborhood wasn’t as developed as it is today. The art galleries were just moving in, the “hot” Maritime Hotel was still a drug rehab center, the meatpacking district a little further south was just beginning to really thrive, and I wondered if they would make it in that location. Close to things, but not quite there.
Selfishly I wanted them to be successful because for the first time since I had moved to NYC, there was a bakery near my apartment that had croissants, coffee, and cakes that looked like they should be eaten. I know that sounds horrible but I couldn’t believe what people considered good, having always had amazing bakeries at my fingertips and I guess having spent a lot of time in France. Yes of course there was Zabar’s, Balthazar, and others, but if they aren’t within morning coffee walking distance it doesn’t matter, unless you’re visiting that neighborhood.
Anyway this perfect little bakery not only survived, but today has a thriving business. Luckily the neighborhood transformed a bit and came to them. Now you never walk in on the weekend and not find a line or the tables filled. I try to frequent La Bergamote once a week for an almond brioche and a big bowl of coffee with steamed milk and I am always hopeful there will be a place for me to sit, and miraculously there always is.
So if you’re looking for some of the best pastries, cakes, croissant, sandwiches, and delectable offerings to be found in NYC, make a point to stop by this wonderful French bakery. If you’re going to a party or having a party and you want to serve a special chocolate ganache cake or a beautiful fruit tart, go to La Bergamote. If you wish you were in Paris but find yourself in New York, visit La Bergamote and partake of their treats. Located on 9th Avenue and 20th St., you can’t miss it.
La Bergamote
(212) 627-9010
169 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011