Discovering a wonderful French bakery
Not too long ago, I discovered a wonderful French bakery in Fairfield, Connecticut called Isabelle et Vincent www.isabelleetvincent.com that really deserves a mention. The proprietors, Isabelle and Vincent Koenig, moved to the United States with their two children in 2007. Their home is Strasbourg, France, where they had previously operated a very popular patisserie. Their dream was to recreate that business here in America and from looks of things, they have certainly succeeded.ÂÂ
Vincent is a seventh-generation pastry chef and master chocolatier and works tirelessly creating his scrumptious breads, pastries, cakes, chocolates, and even ice cream. His work and baking areas are open spaces where customers can watch as he and his assistants work their magic, while Isabelle greets the clientele with her warm and friendly spirit. There are comfortable seating areas to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while nibbling one of their pastries, all the while, breathing in the warm and intoxicating aromas of continuous baking throughout the day. And depending on the day, Isabelle et Vincent produce 300 to 800 baguettes, making many people very happy.
Isabelle et Vincent
1903 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824  ÂÂ
Martha, you always know what we want to see and how we want to see it. And you give us plenty to enjoy! Thank you so much. I enjoyed all the photos. Just next time please include a standard cappuccino shot because all of this is best enjoyed and topped off with some good ole coffee.
Posted by: Marie | February 18th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Wow, what a spectacular find! I'm add this bakery to my list of must-visit places.
Posted by: Victoria Everman | February 18th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Greetings,
I believe the consignment website is http://www.fine2consign.com
Posted by: Amie | February 18th, 2009 at 3:29 am
Pic #1: It's 11:23...what's all over your shirt Isabell? I'm thinking raspberry?
I do love a French bakery and have been talking about them in excess recently. Crave more the croissant and want to learn to MAKE MY OWN! CROISSANTS ON DEMAND! And of course, we have no "French", or even "bakery" in my small mill town so I've got my work rolled out for me.
Thanks Martha, in advance, for the how-to make your own croissants; I know the info's out there somewhere on site. I'll get to it AFTER I perfect Puck's pizza dough.
Posted by: tinay | February 18th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Oh Martha thank you. This brings back memories of my first visit to Paris which of course was all about food. I have learned to make some delicious baguettes but of course not as delicious as ones from a french bakery. You have made my day.
Posted by: Pam | February 18th, 2009 at 5:03 am
Do they make a good palmier? It is so hard to find my favorite cookie!
Posted by: Linda Crispell | February 18th, 2009 at 5:08 am
...yes, we CAN practically smell all those wonderful aromas wafting through the air...what an inviting, warm-looking and cozywozy place! It's blustery and snowing here today, and the Koenigs' would be THE place to go on a day like this! All of their offerings look top-notch and delicious - I'm afraid my visit would turn into a full-fledged meal, from sampling too many good things! I'm elated for them - their success - one can tell they have true passion for what they're doing AND their place has great curb appeal. Who wouldn't want to drop in and stay for awhile?!
Being a fellow business owner, it is sooooo hard to get on your feet and get the word out...the key is to advertise advertise advertise, but unless one is independently wealthy, the costs to do so are phenomenal!
It is very kind and generous of you, Martha, to spotlight these folks today and take us along on this new find. God bless them in this new endeavor!
God bless you, too, my friend!
=^..^=
"If God took time to create beauty, how can we be too busy to appreciate it?"--Randall B Corbin
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | February 18th, 2009 at 5:48 am
Hi Martha,
What a delightful bakery and I love Vincent's chef's hat and Isabell's scarf that sets off their red logo! Everything looks so delicious and I haven't had breakfast yet. Oooh, I would really enjoy one of those baguettes right about now. I checked out their site and there is no online ordering yet but coming soon. What do you recommend besides everything?
Thanks for another great tour and I wish I lived in Fairfield, Ct. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 18th, 2009 at 5:55 am
While those treats look so sweet and delicious, nothing is sweeter than a young child with his father. I sure hope that sweet Jacob was able to take home a delicious treat. It is great to see parents taking their children with them when exploring little shops and bakeries. It can be a great experience for all and best experienced with others!
Thanks for the wonderful look into this bakery!
Posted by: Christina | February 18th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Utterly charming beautiful spot...my mouth was watering when i saw some of my favorite things!
Posted by: Sherey | February 18th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Great! This is close by! Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: Blushing Hostess | February 18th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Isabell and Vincent,
What a wonderful way to enjoy life. I hope the hours are always the best and the time so important that as each day passes everyone is happy with what is being created and accomplished.
Your smiles are so pleasant, but so are your customers.
Posted by: Margie | February 18th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Martha,
I just heard the NPR report featuring you presenting a bag full of battery chargers, etc. to a chief executive of a major company. You made your point loud and clear. Because of your efforts many manufacturers of cell phones and other electronics using battery charges will be standartizing them within the next few years. I applaud your efforts. I, and countless others, appreciate your efforts in helping rid the world of so much waste in this regard. YOU GO GIRL!
Thank you.
Regina Mowery
Posted by: Regina P. Mowery | February 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
What a beautiful bakery! I'd love to have one of everything I see in your photos!
Posted by: Sherry | February 18th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Reminiscent of the charming movie Chocolat. Perhaps the confections, as in the film, could bring romance as well as a delectable treat???
Posted by: lil | February 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
This is like a sugary carbohydrate Wunderland.
Posted by: Melissa | February 18th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hi Martha, Well, you did it again! I have another fantastic place to visit if I ever get to New York City. My list is getting longer and longer. I love all of the items you photographed and would love to taste each and everyone of them. Yummmmm!!! I love the photo of you and Vincent back in Connecticut. The photo of the croquembouche reminds me of the time you and Julia Child made them on your old show. My other favorite is the baggette. Yes, I can almost smell the wonderful French bread!!! Yummmmm!!! Thank you for another lovely blog. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 18th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
My mouth was watering just reading about it. I will put that on my list of places that I must visit. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jenna Lang | February 18th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Well, I know I just gained 10 pounds from looking at all these heavenly images. Everything looked delicious! Sad, but true, we do not have a french bakery in our town and, oh how I would love to try one of those baguettes. Thank you for such a sensory filled tour of the bakery!
Posted by: Mona C | February 19th, 2009 at 4:01 am
Martha- Hi, wanted to post that I love the cupcake sequence on your website!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is fabulous. This bakery blog write up made me think of baked goods so just had to tell you, can't wait to make the Coconut Cupcakes, Yum! If anyone reads this and hasn't seen the cupcakes and recipes do check it out at Martha Stewart Living Website.
Sincerely, Jen
Posted by: Jen | February 19th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Martha,
I love the sound of that Tarte Grand-Pere! It would be a perfect Christmas or Thanksgiving dessert, and includes some of my favorite flavors. I've searched your website and a couple of others, and can't find a recipe - maybe sometime before the holidays next year, you could publish one for this delicious-sounding tart.
I also love how some traditional European desserts are given names like this - Torta della Nonna, or Grandmother's cake, comes to mind. My grandfathers weren't big bakers, but if they had been, perhaps they would have made a Tarte Grand-Pere!
Thanks for all the wonderful pictures!
Julia
Posted by: Julia | February 19th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Sounds so yummy and exciting to share your wonderful finds. Be it food, antique shopping, the gardens, whatever is such a pleasure.
Never been to Connecticut but hope to someday due to my Mother's dad was from there many years ago. Discovering family history will be delightful than.
Thanks as always.......God Bless
Posted by: Norma J Scott | February 20th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I now want to move to Connecticut.
Posted by: Tammy | February 20th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
We LOVE this bakery. Isabelle and Vincent are so sweet (no pun intended!) and gracious. Thanks for spotlighting the couple and their beautiful space.
Posted by: Amy C. | April 26th, 2009 at 9:16 pm