It's not every day I get to frequent a classic French bakery.

Le Panier is a classic French boulangerie and patisserie located in the historic Pike Place Market. All products are made on-site and sold fresh every day.

Kristi Drake and Thierry Mougin, co-owners of Le Panier, were on hand on opening day. Kristi and her staff in front create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, greeting regular customers with their favorites, and inviting them to try something new that the bakers have dreamed up. Thierry is a French-trained pastry chef from Normandie. He and his team of bakers have developed a selection of products that bring together French baking techniques and local, seasonal ingredients.

There was a line out the door, but it moved quickly. There are goodies spread amongst the various cases - croissants, tartelettes, breads, savory bites.


Once I got to the counter, I wanted everything. But, I decided on a few macarons: cassis (black currant), caramel, raspberry and cafe.

Each were absolutely phenomenal.

And, I got a savory flaky broccoli pastry - very tasty.

There's something special, light, elegant about these bites. It's really a beautiful cuisine, and the perfect way to spend breakfast.



Grade: A