Third generation French pastry chef and cookbook author Francois Payard is one of the most sought-after chefs in the world. And now residents of Battery Park City have him right at their doorsteps: on Friday the city's second location of Francois Payard Bakery (or FPB, to the initiated) opened down in Battery Park City. The 850-square-feet restaurant seats ten, and the aesthetic mirrors the flagship location on West Houston, with a white tile floor that's brass plated with the FPB logo. FPB looking OG in the BPC!
You'll find all the usual FPB specialties here, including freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, sugar brioche, scones and muffins, as well as rolled cakes (Le Gateau Roulé), traditional French pâtisserie selections, seasonal mini macaron, tarts by-the-inch, fresh breads, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, “grab and go” items, hot and chilled soups and savory tarts and quiches. All pastries are baked fresh daily at the West Houston flagship, then rushed downtown in a bicycle pedaled by a thin man wearing a beret and a black-and-white striped shirt. The ennui is killing him, but but the macaron's help.
There are also lunchtime offerings you can only find at this FPB, including a BBQ chicken sandwich with balsamic caramelized red onions and mango chutney and a French Dip sandwich. You can buy jams, homemade chocolate spreads, givrettes, fondues, and pastry-scented candles, as well.
10 Murray Street (between North End Avenue and West Street), (212) 995-0888
