La Boulangerie Boul’Mich is a local chain of French artisanal bakeries/cafés with a Latin twist that has been around for 20 years, with outlets ranging from its first location in Key Biscayne to other locations in Miami, Boca Raton, Delray, and a location in Kendall opening soon.
The concept is simple, casual fare in a relaxed environment in a space that combines light, earthly colors, and a vintage-industrial style atmosphere. We stopped by the Doral location for brunch before an advance screening of “Wicked” (the perks of having a film reviewer for a husband) and there was a line of folks waiting to get in. That line never abated as we enjoyed our meal, but the friendly staff never made us feel rushed.
To tell you the truth, I did not expect much from a chain bakery, but these folks are serious about baked goods. The croissant was the best I’ve ever had, and all of the breads served with our meal from the brioche roll to sourdough bread to a baguette, were excellent. We ordered a salmon avocado toast to split as an appetizer, shakshuka, and a turkey club as our entrées. All arrived at the same time, the service was friendly, but not very polished. The avocado toast was served on perfectly toasted sourdough bread with a light avocado mash, slices of smoked salmon, capers, and pickled red onions. It was enough for a meal on its own. My hubby had never had shakshuka and he’s not the most adventurous diner, but he fell in love with La Boulangerie Boul Mich’s version, a mild tomato sauce thick with simmered onions and sweet bell peppers, topped with two eggs, baked in a casserole, and served with a fluffy mini-loaf of brioche. My club sandwich was a little less successful. The brie cheese was barely there, and the greens were well past their freshness date. The deli-style turkey and ham were unremarkable. Only the spectacular baguette saved the dish. In addition to sandwiches and traditional breakfast fare, the casual restaurant also offers salads, pasta dishes, and later in the evening, steak and salmon entrees. The prices are quite reasonable, with most meals costing less than $20. A quiche and salad or a soup and small baguette sandwich combo are both priced at $13.99.
We ordered the “Refreshers” a blend of juices that are blended with your choice of water or coconut milk. We both chose the water base and that was a mistake. Between the copious amount of ice and the water, there was very little flavor, and it certainly was not worth $7.50 for a smallish serving. The meal ended on a high note, however, with the desserts, many served in glass jars. I opted for the Oreo Marquise, a sort of Oreo mousse, and my husband had the cheesecake (other jarred desserts include mousses-Biscoff, chocolate, dulce de leche, and Nutella, Key Lime pie, and tiramisu). Also available are a variety of filled croissants, macarons, apple tarts, brownies, and chocolate chip or alfajor cookies. After-dinner coffees are very tempting and stunningly presented, and everything tastes as good as it looks.
La Boulangerie Boul’ Mich
9690 NW 41St., Doral
786-502-3025
laboulangerieusa.com
SHAKE-UP ON SISTRUNK
Sistrunk Marketplace, the modern food court, has struggled to find its crowd and identity since opening two years ago. Now word comes that big changes are going on with a slew of new food, drink, and entertainment vendors coming in, including D’Smash Burgers, formerly at Yellow Green Farmers Market; Mastino Italian Kitchen, focusing on “Italian soul food;” Loco Ocho Tacos & Tequila, a Mexican lounge and tequila bar specializing in loaded nachos and elote; Macamochi Macaroons Coffee & Crepes, which also began at Yellow Green Farmers Market; Vabbè Pizza, a Roman flatbread pizza; Nellie’s Southern Table fried-chicken and waffles; Myx Up Jamaican Kitchen with jerk chicken spring rolls, conch and codfish fritters; Score Social, a nostalgic gaming lounge; Chops & Hops Axe Experience/Mama Hank’s Craft Bar; Shady Local Beer & Spirits Bar; and El Nopalito Vegan Mexican, expected to open in December.
