Laurent Boulangerie Patisserie Ivanhoe
Founded by chef Laurent Boillon, who trained at the world-famous Lenotre in Paris, the front windows of these boulangeries dotted throughout Melbourne draw in custom with smooth cheesecakes, pies, tarts, tortes, breads, confectionary and personalised special-occasion cakes.
Inside, the counter display takes pride of place in each of the stores, with an intimate arrangement of chairs and tables occupying the remaining space. The layout is more suited to counter service than a sit-down dining affair, but it is often bustling at breakfast and on weekends with people dining on coffee, croissants and petit fours. French women have a reputation for staying trim despite such rich indulgences; let's hope that metabolism has crossed continents as successfully as Boillon's recipes, so we can treat ourselves regularly.
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