La Baguette: Authentiquement Français

Written by Evanka AnnyapuPhotography by Calder Sell Snuggled up between the two most random places- Pizza Hut and a Rejuvenation Spa, La Baguette can sometimes go unseen. While it might be a twenty minute drive out from campus to the west side of town, it is a trip completely worth taking to visit this compact french bakery and cafe. Prices are affordable ($4-$12) for any college student who’s ready to spend a few at places like Kung Fu Tea or Starbucks. Moreover, the authenticity of the culture in this small apartment-like location makes it more worthwhile.  I took a sit at the table that had the most sun settling atop the surface, giving me more daylight to work with and a bonus, to take up more Vitamin D. As I sat down, I quickly observed how all the tables around me seemed to glow with a soft yellow hue. The windows shielded the awfully frosty breeze, but warmed up the seats and people inside. The wooden floors where you could hear each heel click, the couple who baked and handled the customers, and little trinkets seemingly from France that were displayed on the walls, will make you feel like you were in a country where you didn’t even have to purchase a flight ticket to visit.  The warmth of the baguette and the artistry of their tartines in front of you, would have you craving for a real trip to France. They continue to urge you, to drop your responsibilities and fly away as soon as they hand you a menu 80% in French and start speaking to you with a thick French accent. More welcoming, was the fact that they would choose to speak French with anyone who wanted to. You get pushed into a vicinity of culturally immersive food, language, and communication.  La Baguette stretches back to before its opening in 2001 here, on the West Side. It was originally from Minocqua, WI, started up by French couple, Olivier and Carine Vigy. They share their French tastes with us with fresh dishes made everyday. It simply feels like home- familiar to the constant shuffling around, enveloped in the rich smells of fresh carbs, and the numerous options. Enjoy their brioches, boules, ciabatta, and loaves with nuts or raisins, or if you’re a dessert person, their tarts, croissants, and turnovers are perfect for anytime of the day.  Located on 7424 Mineral Point Rd, open 7:30am-5:30pm Monday through Saturday.