Le Gerbe d'Or, Paddington

There's something to be said about discovering little gems in the city for yourself. No guide book, no gourmet food magazine, no Sydney Eats publication, just pure luck. Finding this bakery was one such occasion. Tucked away in the back of Paddington, just metres away from the busy thoroughfare that is Five Ways is the French boulangerie/patisserie La Gerbe d'Or. The master baker here is Franck Francois, who for 24 years has been supplying Sydney with French delights, unbeknownst to me. This man has literally been baking my entire lifespan and as one that is terrified by yeast, he immediately warrants my respect.

I’ve never been to France (yet), however I imagine that La Gerbe d'Or is what your local French boulangerie or patisserie would look like. With pastries and cakes displayed in the front window for passer-bys to ogle, brioches and financiers behind the glass counter as you enter and fougasse and ficelles sitting prettily in woven baskets behind. It's nice to see that Francois himself is working the counter and the banter between he and the customers is familiar and welcoming. Step into his bakery and you feel its warmth and friendliness, it’s like coming home.

When I did leave, in my clutches were three brioches, a fruit tart filled with soft French custard in a shortbread base and a dozen buttery almond fingers. The fruit tart was magnificent to behold and even more so to eat. The custard was not too rich and did not overpower the sweetness of the shortbread and the fruit. The brioches were buttery and thick, just the way I like, and the aroma of the almond fingers infused my car on the ride home. This was definitely a feast for ones senses.

La Gerbe d’Or also sell interesting savouries like Pate de Pantin and Rillettes de Canard for takeaway and an early morning breakfast there is almost mandatory. I hear the Eggs Benedict are the choice order. The website also adds that Francois’ specialty is the Citron Tart, which I am yet to try and there are so many other items yet to savour that I am definitely planning a second, third and fourth visit to this endearing little bakery. Truly a fantastic find.

La Gerbe d'Or
255 Glenmore Rd
Paddington
Phone (02) 9331 1070
(closed Mondays)