Fermeture Définitive

This always happens. You go away, then come back, and something hits you like a ton of bricks. This morning, after being away for a little more than a week, Romain looked at me, and said, “Daveed…je veux te dire quelque chose…” And before he could finish la phrase, I knew exactly what he was going to say, and I finished the sentence for him.

He was stunned that I knew what he was about to say, before he even told me. But I could tell by the look on his face exactly what was wrong: the boulangerie that makes My Crack Baguette is closing for good—Fermeture Définitive.

I’ve been trying to organize a manifestation (demonstration) to keep the doors, and ovens, open. But I’m not having much success. Which is kind of odd in a country of people that seem all-too happy to go en grêve, but I forgot that the all-important summer vacation season is beginning, which takes precedence over everything else.

So far I’ve enlisted me, Romain, and his neighbor, the one who buys three at a time.

Well, actually, Romain is away and I don’t think his neighbor wants to stand in front of a bakery all day with someone he barely knows carrying a sign. So I’m forced to finally make their address public, 166, rue Faubourg-Poissonière (and a map & photo…and you’re welcome, btw…) in hopes the incredible surge in business will convince them to stick around.

If you go and get a baguette sésame, do plead with them to stay open. (Although don’t forget that they only make…like, seven sesame baguettes per day, and the place is decidely un peu triste.)

As for me, I’ve clearing out my freezer, making some space in anticipation of doing a little American-style stockpiling. Unless you get there before I do, now that I’ve told you where it is. But please, leave (at least) one for me, to return the favor.



Update: The bakery is now under new ownership, although they’re not making the sesame baguettes.