The art of making croissants is such a contentious topic that Paris’ Association of French Bakers recently wrote a letter to Kanye West, chiding the rapper for the lyric, “In a French-ass restaurant/Hurry up with my damn croissants.” The crux of their argument was basically that good croissants require craftsmanship and patience, so Kanye should be more considerate. Clearly, this pastry is a serious endeavor that can be difficult to get right. Whynot Coffee & Wine in the West Village, a charming café and wine bar on Christopher Street, recently added croissants to their menu; we can attest that they are certainly worth a try! Unlike many American attempts at patisserie fare, which can come out bready and thick, Whynot’s croissants benefit from a European butter that is reduced fat and hormone free; this creates a taste that feels truly French — rich, but not overwhelming. The croissants come in a variety of flavors, from classic plain and chocolate to more experimental options like Summer Honey, Goat Cheese & Wild Berry Jam, and even Guacamole. The pain au chocolat is particularly satisfying; along with the delicious base of all the products, it has just the right amount of chocolate. The filling is also well distributed throughout the pastry, showing an admirable attention to detail.
The café itself is a great, quiet little spot to duck into on a brisk autumn day. Everything is served on beautiful painted plates and mugs, and the large windows and 60s and 70s murals lend a vintage feel. The soothing ambiance and low music make Whynot Coffee a great place to either get work done or relax with a book, croissant in hand.
Whynot Coffee & Wine is located at 14 Christopher Street.
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