Main Street Boulangerie, Grapevine, Texas

Just a pleasant five-minute walk from our church is a popular Sunday morning destination for both pagans and Protestants--Main Street Bread Baking Co.  Owned by Fabien Goury and Yasmine Bohsali, this little touch of Paris in the Tarrant County suburbs is just what the doctor ordered when one needs a break from the tidal wave of chain restaurants that line the freeways.

Lots of restaurants in Texas offer outdoor seating--it was one of the things we loved when we first moved to Texas--but especially in the suburbs where we live, the outdoor views are mostly of freeways.  Main Street Bread Baking Co has that rare American experience—sidewalk café seating with plenty of pedestrian traffic for people watching. 

Located in the village of Grapevine, the bistro creates just the right café atmosphere.  The décor is a little world-weary, but isn’t that just like the French?  And there are touches of elegance like the beautifully detailed brass door handle at the entrance.  You’ll love Fabien and Yasmine’s playlist.  Here are a few of the songs on her iPod 

• ·      Amapola
• ·      Les Feuilles Mortes
• ·      Mr. Chow
• ·      Jamaica Heartbeat
• ·      Ya Mama, Tu M’As Tant Donne

And oh yes, there’s the boulangerie!  You’ll find all the traditional French breads and pastries—rounds, buns, croissants, Napoleons, and tarts—all displayed in the gleaming glass cases.  My knowledge of French pastry is fairly limited so I can't really address the quality of these pastries; but when you are in need of a taste of Paris, you will find these to be utterly transporting!

The café has free wireless access for its customers and thus is perfectly suited for a lazy morning of reading, web surfing, and people watching--and that’s the best formula for creativity I know. 

If you go, wear a flowing skirt and your sexiest shoes.  (Remind me to take my own advice.)

I can’t wait to tell you about Ralph and Reba Ferrell’s favorite French restaurant in Addison and Zellia Rendon’s guilty pleasure of listening to others practice their French at a La Madeleine in Plano. 

Please!  Write me back—tell me about places you know in Dallas--or elsewhere--that transport you to Paris.  

Comments

[Terry Christlieb]

Great job, Bunny. Congratulations on your first blog post.

[Beverly from South Bend]

Dearest Chris, I have heard all about your AMAZING PARISIAN EXPLOITS from Mikki. You definitely let no opportunity slip by your fertile imagination. In fact, I learned something from your blog. There is an excellent review of the J. Littel's book, The Kindly Ones in the Guardian. Google: Guardian.co.uk J. Littel Kindly Ones. Take care and stay cool Beverly

[Kristine Christlieb]

Beverly, I'm just getting the hang of navigating my own blog. Let me know if this post gets to you.