I tried three croissants from bakeries close to Meramec. Here’s how they compare.
By: Melissa Wilkinson
Editor-in-Chief
Comet Croissanterie and Creamery
640 W Woodbine Ave
Open Wednesday – Friday, 7am – 11am
The best croissant on this list can also be found closest to campus. Many bakeries are afraid to bake their croissants too dark, but Comet Croissanterie gets it right. The deep brown exterior provided delicious caramel notes, perfectly complementing the buttery, yeasty interior. The thick, crunchy outside kept the inside moist, allowing it to hold up well throughout the day. The only drawback to this perfect pastry is Comet Croissanterie’s limited hours. Drop by when it’s open before class and enjoy breakfast the right way.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery
11243 Manchester Rd
Open weekdays, 7am – 6pm
This was a croissant that tastes like a croissant. Inside it was moist and springy, with visible layers and a pleasant buttery flavor. The outside, although lighter in color than some croissants, had a nice crunch to it. Perhaps the most traditional offering on the list, this is a pastry to be eaten fresh. While it was delicious in the morning, by evening it had lost a lot of flavor. Get one early for the tastiest croissant experience.
The Daily Bread
11719 Manchester Rd
Open weekdays, 6am – 8pm
Despite its mammoth size, this croissant failed to pack much of a punch. It lacked any sort of fresh-baked flavor, and could most easily be compared to a grocery store croissant. Its texture was light and airy, soft to the tooth, and it very quickly became dry in the mouth. It lacked all the hallmarks of a true croissant. While it might hold up toasted in sandwich form, this baked good was wholly unpleasant as a standalone breakfast.
