325862 Thu Sep 14 14:41:10 -0700 2006 9 46 China 0 1876106 Can someone please recommend good (or even just decent) Western-style bakeries in Beijing? I'm talking baguettes, croissants, and even things like birthday cakes. Much as I love Chinese food, I am not enamored of the things the Chinese think pass for Western baked goods. Thanks! Thu Sep 14 14:41:10 -0700 2006 10106 James G 1 1876359 I believe Delifrance has outlets in BJ. I've always found their baguettes and croissants in Shanghai and Hong Kong good enough for me (though I can't say I'm a croissant snob). After all, Deng Xiao Ping loved croissants from his salad days in France, and I think he started a fad. http://eatingchinese.org Thu Sep 14 16:14:43 -0700 2006 1876106 10255 Gary Soup 1 1989024 Try the bakery at the Kempinski Hotel in Liangmaqiao Lu or Cafe Constanze in the so-called "Lucky Street" perpendicular to Liangmaqiao Lu in front of the 21st Century Swimming Pool... Wed Nov 01 19:21:53 -0800 2006 1876106 49748 Boythefoodtalksto 1 1990872 I agree about the bakery in the Kempinski, though haven't been there in years. Some of the bread at Jenny Lou's is pretty good (I haven't had a baguette). There's a bakery next to the JL's on Ritan lu called Paris Patissere that I found better than most. They don't have the curry/pizza looking things caked with oil that a lot of places do, but I did eat a fusion creation of sesame bread (not filling) that was quite good. They also sell a few things in the grocery store at Scitech Plaza, but I think the bakery is better. Thu Nov 02 10:14:00 -0800 2006 1876106 48403 bbc 1 4603482 Comptoirs de France Bakery opened 4 shops in Beijing and they have the best product you can find in China. My entire family is goign there at least 4 times a week. You will find your bread, cakes, ice cream and macarrons. www.comptoirsdefrance.com you will find the locations. They have an expat in every shop to make sure that the service is perfect. Fri Apr 17 00:09:54 -0700 2009 1876106 283394 bendevos 1 4608152 I also like the baked goods at Comptoirs. The baguettes at Bruno Bakery (in the basement of the Pacific Century Place Mall, just outside of the grocery store check out aisles) are great--thick crust, dense and chewy crumb. They have white and whole wheat (distinguished by shape, one is pointier). Sandra www.savourasia.com Sat Apr 18 21:18:12 -0700 2009 1876106 283801 savourasia 1 4622781 Hi James - I agree that there are no real American Style bakeries in BJ and frankly, while I like Comptoirs for bread and the occasional croissant, their baked good are very so-so. I myself, teach cooking and am an avid baker. I've done some cakes and stuff for friends so if you have something specific you are looking for (ie - a bday cake, batch of brownies, muffins etc) I could certainly help you out! Thu Apr 23 13:41:04 -0700 2009 1876106 18175 balki 2 4644504 Hi Balki, I live in Beijing and would like to surprise the elementary school class I'm teaching with some brownies, cupcakes, etc. Is that something you'd be willing to do? Please let me know, thanks! Thu Apr 30 22:13:36 -0700 2009 4622781 90519 tarilyn 3 4647117 sure - you can email me through my website at info@kitchencabinetny.com Send me an email and you can let me know what you want and when. Fri May 01 18:07:48 -0700 2009 4644504 18175 balki 1 4626954 I love the macarons and petits fours at Comptoirs but am less enthusiastic about their breads. Still, it was still my go-to place in Beijing, for lack of better choices. Jenny Lou's and April Gourmet will occasionally have decent multi-grain loaf bread. Diana www.appetiteforchina.com Fri Apr 24 20:59:10 -0700 2009 1876106 186521 AppetiteforChina