Curiosity was killing me and I had to check out the City BakeryBrentwood Country Mart. This is a branch of the famous New York bakery and people were going crazy in anticipation of the opening. Like the second coming.
My daughter and I went on a food field trip Saturday and I must say it was something worth seeing. The hip and trendy were out in full force. The bakery is a huge quasi industrial space and seemed out of place at the Country Mart which is basically a big red barn with a rustic old-fashioned feel to it. I remember stopping here years ago on my way home from work and picking up a broiled chicken at the Reddi Chick BBQ. I was happy to see that they are still thriving, and so many families were enjoying their chicken and fries sitting on the picnic benches in the outdoor, brick patio.
I didn't sample much of the food because we had a great lunch at Clementine's so I wasn't that hungry. It's a good thing, because I would have had to take out a loan to pay for it. The salad bar was very inventive, but at $16.00 a pound, I would rather go up the street to Whole Foods Market. They have a small room or shrine for chocolate, but I didn't go in because of claustrophobia. My daughter got the infamous hot chocolate $4.50, and after one sip, I had my fill of chocolate for the month. The pretzel croissant was fabulous and at $3.50 it should be. I did break down and buy the chocolate chip cookie which was a good deal at $2.50 (I can see them raising the price to $5.00 in the near future). Unfortunately if I had eaten the whole thing in one day, I would have made a mockery out of the FDA's daily requirement for sugar, butter and fat. I am on day three and this is what I have left.
As I was taking the picture of the hot chocolate a gentlemen came up to me and told me I should take a picture of the price tag too!!!
Anyway, it was fun while it lasted, but it really makes me appreciate the fact that I live in the Pasadena area, where you get a lot more for your buck. I also love frequenting the Mom and Pop bakeries which are every bit as good, without the high prices. We have so many wonderful ethnic food places on this side of town. The food is so good, and the people put their heart and soul into it without being pretentious. I'll take my the croissants from the many Vietnamese sandwich shops any day!!!!
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