Disappointing Balthazar Bakery experience; strong canele alternative?

[Olive123]

I stopped by to get bread for dinner (fondue) and a canele on Friday. Instead of the white loaf I requested (I actually had the person who helped me point out all of the non-wheat options and chose one with onions that I thought would complement the fondue nicely), when I got home I discovered that the bread I purchased was (1) wheat and (2) filled with olives but no onions. I scrapped the fondue idea and made it the next day instead with a beautiful loaf from elsewhere. The canele was the last one in the store. There was no crispness to the exterior, and the inside was not particularly custardy. Flavor was good, but the rubbery skin on the outside was not what I wanted. Everyone in the store was very friendly, but I will not be back for bread or pastry. Bien Cuit in my neighborhood is a great bread option, but I don't know where to go for a great canele. I like a nicely caramelized exterior, and some crunch. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

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Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

[Oliverstreet]

Petrossian has nice caneles. As does the new Boulud Epicerie.

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Petrossian
182 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019

Epicerie Boulud
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

[windycity]

I am not a canele aficionado, but the ones at Market Day Canele in Philly are pretty good. Bit of travel though.

[raw]

Give this place a shot.

http://lescanelesdeceline.com

[gaetano]

Balthazar Bakery stuff is sold here in Philly even though we've got better locally produced loaves and canele .
http://phillymarketcafe.blogspot.com/...

[Olive123]

As a lawyer who would often rather be cooking, I love the story behind this! Will definitely try some. Can you comment on the various flavors at all?

[Olive123]

Looks like there isn't much worth trying in Manhattan. I am going to try Michael Allen in Brooklyn, but I have low expectations. Don't want to be disappointed again!

[uwsister]

I wish I knew where to find a good canele - if anybody knows, please do respond. This is something I'd be willing to travel quite a bit. Sorry that I can't be of any help!

[TrishUntrapped]

When you say travel do you mean by car?

La Tulipe in Mt. Kisko, NY has good caneles. I'd call first though to make they have them they day you are going.

http://www.latulipedesserts.com/

EDIT: There is a Mt. Kisco Metro North train stop, not sure how close it is to the bakery. Maybe a cab ride?

[RawTunaFan]

I like the macarons at La Tulipe, never knew they made caneles!

Believe it or not, I used to LOVE the caneles at the L'Occitane cafe when they were open on Spring Street!

[TrishUntrapped]

I like the macarons there too. Actually everything I tried there was delicious. Too bad I am off pastries and sweets these days...

[uwsister]

No car, but we do have a motorcycle & we take a ride that way pretty often so I will definitely take note! Thank you!

[gutsofsteel]

Mrs. London's in Saratoga Springs.