Le Petit Artisan

For the longest time, the only decent bakeries in Manila were of course, the hotel bakeshops, Le Coeur de France and maybe even Delifrance. So, unless you’re a frequent visitor of that little shop at the rear end of the Mandarin Oriental’s tiny lobby or a member of Tagaytay Highlands, we reckon that, like us, you’ve had to settle for the loaves found at your friendly neighborhood SM supermarket or at the French Baker. We’re not saying that there’s anything wrong with these places, because there really isn’t. It’s just that, sometimes, when your mouth waters for that perfect deli sandwich, sliced bread in a plastic bag just doesn’t cut it. Try picturing three slices each of gruyere cheese and peppered pastrami, smothered with Grey Poupon Dijon mustard, sandwiched between – wait for it – Sooper Dooper white bread. Now that would be a total waste of really good Swiss dairy.