DISH OF THE WEEK

DISH OF THE WEEK: Baguette & Comté at PAVÉ

Bread and cheese is the dish this week? Not even a grilled cheese?

That’s right. I was seduced by the art of simplicity and high quality ingredients at an undersung gem of a bakery in Midtown.

I have visited Pavé three times now to try everything from their mushroom flatbread to the passionfruit brioche. All great, but the one order that knocked my socks off was just a simple baguette with cheese.

Now, keep in mind that Chef Jonghun Won is not cutting any corners. He is using classical French techniques to make that baguette.

While this seemingly innocent snack is on display at the bread counter, upon ordering it, a warm specimen is brought out from the kitchen.

The exterior is impossibly crisp with a soft center. Beneath the crust are two humble slices of comté cheese. This French cheese is irresistible with complex notes of grass, butter, and nuts. It’s not so far from a gruyere and is the perfect pairing with this classic baguette.

It is not by any means a grilled cheese, but it is warm with bold simple flavors and I dare say as good as cheese and bread can get. Price: $3.50

PAVÉ
20 West 46th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenue),
Midtown West
(646) 454-1387
pave46.com

AboutBrian Hoffman

Brian Hoffman is a classically trained actor who is now a full-time tour guide, blogger, and food obsessive. He leads food and drink tours around New York City, which not only introduce tour-goers to delicious food, but gives them a historical context. He has written food articles for Gothamist and Midtown Lunch in addition to overseeing this blog and a few food video series, including Eat This, Locals Know, and Around the World in One City. His latest series is an international cooking show with his son which can be found on this site.