Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Fun Time is Croissan'time


For those in the know, Croissan'time is a neat little French Bakery/Cafe tucked away in East Fort Lauderdale just North of Sunrise Boulevard on Federal Highway. This little hideaway has been in business since 1986, the proprietor being of actual French descent and trained in the old ways of the Pyrenees. This humble little storefront houses a cafe, a take-away deli, and of course, a bakery.

Let's start with the bakery. Croissan'time produces some of the finest french bread and rolls I have had outside of Europe. They have a tremendous demand and generally sell out by the late afternoon. I'm not sure how long I can rant and rave about their bread, but are you getting the idea that this place is the real deal? Lets take a look at the cakes and pastries, all produced on site. The traditional pastries are all here: Napoleons, Eclairs, Cream Puffs, Souffles, Lindsor tarts (Heart Shaped), Fruit Tartelettes, Chocolate Dipped Fruits, and Tiramisu along with some whose names I can't pronounce. They are all available in regular size, and they carry mini-sizes of all their creations. You can pick up the large pastries for $4.60 each or get six mini's for $9.00. I recommend getting the six mini's and trying several varieties.

The bakery is tied into the cafe' which produces specialty sandwiches, Quiches, Salads, Croquet-Monsieur, Pizza, and a hot dog encased in a pastry shell. My personal favorite is the Tuna on a Baguette. They give you the options of fresh brie, cornichon (small French pickles), lettuce, tomato, and onion. Dijon mustard, butter, and mayo are options as well. Their tuna paired with the cornichons is a striking combination that is very tasty. When put together with the brie and the hot baguette, the fusion of flavors rivals any sandwich I have ever had. Also available is Turkey, Roast Beef, French Ham, Pate', Prosciutto, Smoked Salmon, and Salami.

Their deli counter looks as if it was just off the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The first thing I noticed was the cheeses. They carry several varieties of Gruyere cheese including a champagne variety that is delicious. They have several other varieties of Brie and Gruyere available. In the display case is DiParma prosciutto, Serrano ham, Madrange cooked French ham, Saucisson sec, Merguez, Boudin noir, Mousses and pâtés, Foie gras (duck and goose liver),Smoked Salmon, and Caviar Beluga. This is all the real deal folks! As if the pastries and chocolates were not enough, they also have homemade ice cream and sorbet here.

For those who enjoy the finest in food, the French themselves are difficult to palate; however, their food is the world standard that all are set to, like 'em or not. This place is true to the French. Overpriced, a bit obnoxious, darn good food, one line for all services, and command of their market.

Take an afternoon ride down to Croissan'time for a sandwich and a pastry. Take a loaf of bread home and pretend for a few minutes that you are walking down the Champs-Élysées. They are closed Monday's and open 7:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday-Saturday. Sunday is 7:30am to 3:00pm. You can find them at 1201 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.telephone: (954) 565-8555.


1 comment:

The Chowfather said...

I don't get up that way often but you are corret