A few years ago, I was at this catered bike event that had terrible croissants. I remember complaining with my friends that this was an injustice because we ride our bicycles partially so that we can exercise away all of the rich deliciousness that comes with a good pain au chocolat. It was in that conversation that we hatched this plan to do a bakery ride in Boston. Start in the north near Medford, and ride 15 miles, hitting a dozen bakeries along the way, all in search of the best chocolate croissant in the city.

It was, in hindsight, a little ridiculous; but it was also, oh so tasty. 

So, when I tell you that I believe that Clear Flour has the best chocolate croissant in the city, please know that this isn’t some idle praise. This judgement came out of a seriously conducted survey, with rigid methodology and strenuous peer review. Well, ok, not really. But their chocolate croissants are my personal favorite, and their baguettes are always a pleasure to have at a leisurely weekend breakfast at home.  

My friends still talk about that ride sometimes, and one of them, Forest, will ask me, “oh, what were those small round sweet things? With the crispy outside and spongy custard center?”

“Caneles?”

“Yes! Those were so good. Like a creme brulee that you can hold in your hand.”