La Boulangerie
2569 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Yes, ladies and gentleman, it has finally happened. Gentrification—for better or for worse—has brought a French bakery into Logan Square. By no means has Logan Square been bakery-less, as the neighborhood is dotted with panaderias for some time now (More to come on these later). This is because Logan Square has been a primarily Latino neighborhood for the past 20 to 30 years.
While being a bit more upscale establishment it’s understandable how some could see this establishment as being a bit contentious for the neighborhood. Nothing says, “yuppie” like “French Bakery”. Given that places like this are becoming an all the more common sight in Logan Square, it’s a realization that many are having as the future of this neighborhood.
Putting this geography lesson in gentrification aside, let’s talk about La Boulangerie. Walk in side and you will learn quickly that the owners are, indeed, French. For any of you out there that are looking for… “authenticity” this should give them a few points. The bakery has many different types of baguettes. Take home a Herbs de Provence baguette. Very tasty. Additionally, there are a number of different pastries, if that’s what you’re into.
Let’s say you’re looking to have a light lunch. The menu that they offer is small. They have savory and sweet crepes available that they will make right in front of you. I highly recommend going with savory. My favorite one there is the ratatouille crepe. Ratatouille is a mix of stewed tomatoes, zucchini and onions with goat cheese served in a crepe. It comes with a side salad. Throw in some carbonated French berry juice and you’ve got a pretty good lunch on your hands.
While bakeries are not new in Logan Square, they are changing in form, function and patrons for different purposes; much like this neighborhood itself.
Getting down to Brass Tax:
Date place? No.
Friend Hang out? Yes.
Recommended dish: Ratatoulie Crepe
Recommended drink: French Berry Juice
Price Range (2 People): +/- $20
Why only 3 stars on yelp if you liked everything you ate? I thought you had a bad experience there so I clicked on your link out of curiosity, but found out you had nothing bad to say about this place, except the fact that Logan Square is getting "yuppie". Buying fresh bread however is not a matter of social class or ethnicity, it is a question of taste. There's nothing fancy about a bakery, let alone this one, it seems to be very neighborhood friendly and cheap ($20 for 2). Also, I don't think any establishment should be reviewed on yelp unless you go there twice and try as many of their products as you can, and unless your experience is really amazing the first time (if it's bad, talk to the manager in person, don't complain on yelp like a coward). So could you please explain the 3stars? Thank you
ReplyDeleteThat's a fair question. If you'd like to know my rating rubric it goes as follows:
ReplyDelete* = Terrible. Everything is wrong.
** = Meh. I was unimpressed. Most likely I had one of two criticisms.
*** = That's pretty good. I'd come back.
**** = Extremely impressive. This place really has something.
***** = This is Heaven on Earth.
So you see that my scale is pretty standard. I keep to this as to not over-inflate expectations like I think many in yelp so often do.
I have been here twice now, actually (Three times if you count visiting your stand at the Farmer's Market). Also, ideally, I agree with you that buying fresh bread isn't a matter of social class or ethnicity. This is all true except in the case of food deserts where fresh bread may be non-existent due to extreme poverty and other economic conditions that have left low-income populations vulnerable.
Also, there can be fresh bread found throughout Logan Square not at this establishment, but at other bakeries. The point that I was making was that La Boulangerie could very well be perceived as a yuppie status symbol by others in the neighborhood. If you're selling a baguette for $3.50, there's a specific demographic that is willing to pay for that. Thankfully, I wouldn't mind paying that premium in order to enjoy an herbs de provence baguette every so often.
Personally, I'm a-ok with this place existing in Logan Square, though. It helps diversify what culinary options are available to Logan Square and on top of it, it's a sign of the times.
Upon further review of my own rubric, I'm going to change my rating on yelp.
ReplyDelete