While we are in a French mood, Patisserie Claude is THE place for croissants, brioche, anything with cream, chocolate, coffee, strawberries or butter ... It is small, unassuming, no frills... but oh, the taste! There are no hydrogenated oils here.
This Greenwich village institution is run, owned and served by a not very tall, round, red-cheeked French man, who is so sweet. But don't get on his wrong side, because he will curse in heavily-accented French with English profanity. I've never seen him do this to a customer. Not likely! But I walked in one day and he was talking to someone about... I don't know... some delivery guy trying to pull a fast one on him, or something. But it was quite strange and changed my image of him forever. He is a French pastry chef, but with a tiny New York chip on his shoulder.
One day, I went in and I wasn't sure what combination of goodies to get. I had ordered a few things and I was debating between the other 20 he had in his case. He suggested I try a hazelnut macaroon. I gingerly took one and put it in my mouth and, before I could stop myself, I sighed, "oh my god, I love you."
He was actually caught by surprise, but recovered in a hearty laugh with his cheeks all flushed. I would think he would get this kind of response all of the time, but I think I caught him off guard. So sweet! (This was before I heard him curse like a sailor.)
He is beautiful and his creations are delights.
Oh and get there early for the croissants or brioche. They are done by 10am, especially on the weekends!
187 W. 4th Street
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