I interviewed a local French baker for the November Market District Newsletter, after talking to him I figured I would drop by and try the food one day for lunch. I found the address on google maps and had a general idea of where this place was, if I didn't go to the website I don't think I would have found this bakery. The sign outside has a big fancy G that is the only thing you can read when you are driving down the road, it was the same symbol they had on their website so I knew it was the right place. I found a spot on the street to park and got in line for lunch. One of the reasons I probably never heard of this place is because they are only open for breakfast and lunch. I don't typically go out for lunch so that could be why I have never been here. When you walk in there is a counter full of sweet pastries and behind the counter they have all of the fresh breads. They don't have a big selection for lunch, its your choice between five sandwiches and a ton of sweets. They also have quiche for lunch but to me that is more of a breakfast thing.I chose the le campagnard for lunch (turkey sandwich), I finished off the lunch with a tarte aux fruits (fresh fruit tart). I took home a foaccia garnie (basically a foaccia pizza). Everything was so simple and yet so delicious. The turkey sandwich was all about the bread, it had a thick outer crust on the outside yet it was soft and chewy on the inside. The sandwich had tomato, lettuce and mayo on it, the toppings were fresh but the turkey was just anything you could buy at the grocery store. For how much time is put into the bread I would just like to see the same quality in the meat on the sandwich.
The foaccia was really good as well, the bread was light and airy. The cheese was like the cheese on a pizza, it was a bit crunchy but not burnt by the crust, I love that part of the pizza. The fresh basil and tomato sauce in the middle just made me think of a thick cut pizza. It was a room temperature, almost like a day old pizza but with fresh ingredients. If this bread was hot out of the oven I guess they would just call it pizza.The tart, simple, very simple. The best tart or just dessert I think I have ever had. A buttery crust that didn't crumble when you picked it up, the vanilla custard was rich and thick and didn't overpower the butter in the crust or the sweetness of the fruit. The custard wasn't too watery which meant it didn't soak into the crust and let the crust hold up when it was picked up. All of this was topped with simple sliced strawberries and whole blueberries. It was perfect. I don't know how else to explain it, one of the best things I have eaten.
Would I go back? I have been back a few time, I just love their bread. The food there is fresh and about the same price as any fast food restaurant. Like I said if they put homemade meats on their sandwiches it would put these simple sandwiches over the top. The breads and sweets are more than reason enough to go back. If you can get out for lunch in Lawrenceville this is one of the places I would recommend for sure. If your looking for fancy this isn't it, if your looking for cheap really good lunch food you need to give this place a try. I think why more people don't talk about this place is because it is only open for breakfast and lunch.
Food 7 of 10
Price 9.5 of 10
Service 9 of 10
Overall 8 of 10
4605 Butler St
Lawrenceville, PA
