La Baguette

Have you been to France? Well, the good news is you don't have to go anymore. Instead, you can go to La Baguette. Take it from someone who HAS been to France- this place is authentic. Not only do the staff speak French, but other french people hang out there, the "feel" is french, the food is french, and they don't have a website- how quaint. I absolutely love it and am immediately transported back to a Paris cafe as soon as I walk in the door. A Paris cafe here in Madison, Wisconsin. Not too shabby.

It's pretty easy to miss this place- it's in a strip mall out by West Towne Mall. We drove by for years not really noticing it until some friends mentioned the divine-ness of it. So we checked it out. The ONLY downside (and it's so so small) is that it's cash only and I never have cash. Oh well, the ATM search is worth it.

The portion sizes are more American-like but the flavors and options are very european. Always fresh quiche, amazing artisan tarts and pastries, croissants, and of course, fresh baguettes. There is coffee and cappuccino and once you order and sit down a waitress brings you your food on a cute little tray.

We have only been for breakfast but as that is the most important meal of the day I don't see a problem with this. We usually each get a cappuccino, a piece of quiche and then split an irresistible tart- usually one with strawberries. If I can scrounge up the money, I like to leave with a baguette- it just seems right. The place is just plain relaxing and any francophile would feel right at home.

Having said all that, the food isn't really what makes this place so great. The food is good, really good (especially the bread), but the best part about La Baguette is how truly representative of France it really is.