So while I was on vacay in the USA, looks like a lot of stuff happened here in Shanghai. Central Studios opened up with bang, Arugula Lady expanded and took over the shop next door, el Coctel became the new hotspot, and Baker & Spice opened up in the French Concession. I was very excited when I heard a new bakery opened up in my hood, but a little hesistant when I found out it was a Wagas concept. I am unimpressed by their expensive Western food, but still respect what they are doing out here.
The bakery looks really promising – nice prime location on Anfu Lu next to plenty of coffee shops and restaurants. The interiors are slick and feature an industrial kitchen separated from the retail space by a pane of glass. Looks good.
The baguettes are quite good – only around $15RMB for a loaf of crusty bread. The variety of bread loaves they bake is really impressive. They also offer bagels, homemade granola, and assorted pastries and tarts. I tried this apricot danish and blehhh what a waste. I expected loose, flaky, crispy pastry, but instead got a chewy lump of inedible crap. Not the best pastry, but not the worst either. The brownies with white chocolate are good though.
For lunch, Baker & Spice also offers simple pressed sandwiches for $45RMB. The rocket, parma ham, and mozzerella cheese is a winner.
Go early when the pastries are fresh and the baguettes haven’t all been snapped up by hungry laowai like myself.
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Baker & Spice
195 Anfu Lu
at Wulumuqi Lu
French Concession, Shanghai
+86 21 5404 2733
www.wagas.com.cn
Tags: baguette, baker & spice, bakery, shanghai, wagas
