Aix en Provence: Bread Zen at Farinoman Fou
Emily, Jen, Melissa, Kayla, and Jessica discover an organic bakery in Aix en Provence
Wandering the streets of Aix en Provence we came across a bakery bustling with activity. The people stepping from the building to the street are adorned with tall, white bags of delicious looking bread that instantly spark our interest. Our curiosity drawing us in, we are welcomed by rustic, wooden shelves lined with various loaves of white dusted, floury bread. The glass display perfectly frames the decadent breads and pastries. The warm glow of light washing over the whole scene and the scent of freshly baked dough is reminiscent of stepping into grandma’s kitchen.
Taking a fresh loaf of bread out of the oven to cool, Cedric the baker turns to see us admiring the products and suggests that we try the choco-sourire – a croissant-shaped bread filled with warm, moist chocolate. As we take our first bite and express our satisfaction, he is eager to offer up “Farinoman Fou” and owner Benoit Fradette’s philosophy. The process of baking begins the night before in the quiet, empty bakery where Benoit puts his heart and soul into the creation of the ideal dough. The shop’s unique take on baking is quality over quantity, which leads to the use of only the best organic ingredients on the market. The process is never rushed thus no timer is used, leaving nature to determine the finished product.