Thursday, October 29, 2009

Amelie's French Bakery (NoDa)

Again with the suggestions!!

Last week I had a few suggestions that I visit Tony's. So, I did, and I posted the review. But what I didn't tell you, is that last week I had even MORE suggestions that I visit Amelie's in the NoDa Neighborhood of Charlotte. So, yesterday I made my way to Amelie's to check it out.

I'm glad I listened to my friends....

Amelie's in located in an industrial feeling shopping area at North Davidson and 28th St. From the outside there is nothing to distinguish Amelie's from the other stores in the brick and mortar complex. However, once inside, you feel miles away.

The interior is decorated with an eclectic, funky, and cozy vibe. Along with chess sets and checkers tables, you'll find chandeliers, sofas, and fake fire places. And the place is huge -- basically it's comprised of two store spaces. One is mostly for baking and some tables, while the other is primarily for seating.

But there is one thing that I noticed immediately -- the smell. The deliciousness of all the pastries and breads was evident from the smell alone. And once you enter, you're assaulted by the images of all the pastries in a wonderful display case. The second I entered I started to salivate.

After looking over the choices I chose a chocolate croissant and a cup of coffee. I prepared my coffee, took a seat, and then took a bite. The result???? OMG! YUM!!

The best chocolate croissant I've ever had was at a French Cafe in Ponta Delgada, on the Azores island of Sao Miguel. I know, I know, Portugal isn't known for it's food. But at this cafe, the baker was trained in France. So, all the food was fantastic. And the chocolate croissant was as close to heaven as possible.

The chocolate croissant from Amelie's is a VERY close second.

The chocolate wasn't too sweet or too bitter. It was excellent. In addition, the buttery, light, and flaky croissant was fantastic. My words simply don't do it justice. But this might -- I liked it so much I bought another so that I could eat one this morning!!

Unfortunately, since I inhaled the croissant, I HAD to try something else. I mean, what kind of a Foodie would I be if I didn't explore different dining options? Oh, the things I do to inform my readers!! It's a sacrifice, but I manage! :)

So, I ordered a twice baked almond croissant. Ok, here's how these things are made. A freshly baked standard croissant is sliced in half, and filled with a creamy/buttery almond concoction. That croissant is then dipped in a sweet syrup. And then it's baked again!! The result?? Something crunchy and sweet on the outside, and buttery and almondy in the middle! SQUEEE! I was in heaven.

While I was enjoying the almond croissant, I decided to have them bake me a loaf of sourdough bread. Having grown-up on San Francisco Sourdough, I can tell you it's been hard for me to find another that is comparable on the east coast. Fortunately, Amelie's sourdough is one of the better ones I've found over here. When I got the bread back to my car I stuck my nose in the bag and inhaled. Ohhhh, it smelled like home.....

So, I did what any other home-sick Californian who lives in the Lake Norman area would do... I went to Ferrucci's and got some Italian Dry (Sicilian style) Salami! Lemme tell ya. That bread with the salami? Heaven, pure heaven!

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 13/15

Price: $ (Coffee and pastry around $6)
Kid Friendly: Unknown

Conclusion: GREAT pastries and bread make this one of my favorite eateries in the Charlotte area. I'm glad that I expanded my geographical boundaries to try Amelie's. And it's only about a 20 minute drive from my home.

Restaurant Info:
Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe
2424 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
p)704-376-1781
http://www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com

6 comments:

  1. YUM!!! Both Croissants sound fab....I would have a hard time choosing. Thanks for posting; gotta go soon

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  2. Their lunch looks really good

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  3. See now I just HAVE to try this place!!! it's not even a choice... I HAVE to!!!

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  4. You should try their soups & sandwiches!! All served 24/7. I mean, you think, "OK, turkey & bacon on croissant, big deal", but Amelie's elevates food to something magical. Their soups are all made fresh, from scratch. Wow - now I need to go again!!

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  5. You piked my two FAVORITE treats at Amelie's! I'm from New Orleans, and have family ties in the Charlotte area and can't WAIT to visit there to load up on their baked goodness.

    Get this...they also have a Twice Baked CHOCOLATE croissant (sometimes). Best of both worlds!!

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  6. Reading all of these comments just makes me hungry again!!

    Karen, I'll be sure to try their lunch next time.

    Luke, I almost tried the Chocolate Twice Baked Almond Croissant -- I'll be sure to try it next time.

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