Having recently moved to the Seattle area, I have transformed into a weekend explorer. Every weekend, I make it a point to try something new. Seattle being the birthplace of Starbucks is also the home to some of the finest coffee houses. There is something unique about the aura in Seattle that makes you crave for the smell of freshly ground coffee beans. You can’t help but fall in love with coffee if you live in Seattle.
Few weeks ago, I ventured out on a gloomy Sunday morning to Pike Place Market to hone the “coffee connoisseur” within me. I knew that Pike Place was the holy shrine for the original Starbucks(yes, this is where the first Starbucks store was established in 1971), but I wanted to try something different. As I lazily strolled through the cobblestone streets, the sign Le Panier located on the corner of Stewart Street and Pike Place caught my eyes. With local street artists playing the piano, accordion, guitar – Pike place had a European vibe to it. So, Le Panier added to its glamour as the very French Bakery.
There was a long line of people waiting. “Then, it must be good”, I thought to myself and joined the line. I realized that the line was moving forward pretty fast, and in no time I found myself standing before the bakery section with a tall, very good looking, chivalrous French monsieur staring at me waiting to take my order. This is where you regret for not having taken French class during high-school. I quickly shuffled my eyes through the different delicious options carefully labeled placed inside the glass display, and I realized that I was unable to pronounce any of them. Luckily, I found two things that I could pronounce well – Friand and Normandie. He smiled at me and asked if I wanted coffee. And, I ordered a cappuccino.
Le Panier has a very amiable yet elegant ambience. It has a wide range of options in the bakery section as well as coffee. I always prefer having my coffee in a ceramic cup because the ceramic certainly adds a distinct flavor, and you truly relish and indulge in the entire experience without being in a rush. I have been to many coffee places, but this place serves the cappuccino just the way I like it – double shot espresso with exactly the right amount of froth, and served at the right temperature. They have an impeccable manner in which they make their coffee. The aroma from the baking area soothes your mind while you sip your coffee and indulge yourself in different delicacies that this boulangerie offers (Click here to view their menu). Now that I have been there multiple times, I have tried almost everything from their menu. Everything is so fresh! I remember the Normandie and the Champignon melting in my mouth and the molten chocolate dripping from the Chocolatine on taking the first bite. Everything is carefully hand crafted, and immaculately presented with a glamour – just like any of France’s luxury fashion brands.
For me, Le Panier was more of an experience. This place in Pike Place on a murky weekend serves as a perfect destination – coffee, pastries, music, people. Although, I have tried most of their delicacies, Friand and Normandie still remain my favorites. After all, there is a story behind this. A visit to Le Panier is worth trying if you are in Pike Place.
