If you’re only learning about Maison Kayser through my humble blog post, you’re possibly one of the last New Yorkers to hear about this new outpost by Eric Kayser. Just a few days into its operation, Maison Kayser had a line stretching out its front doors early Sunday, for both the sit down cafe and takeaway area for breads and pastries.
Maison Kayser on 3rd Ave.
Most well known for crafting artisanal baguettes made with no commercial yeast, Eric Kayser has over 50 bakeries around the globe. The 3rd Ave. outpost is his first venture into New York. Perhaps the well heeled Upper East Side residents are quite familiar with Mr. Kayser through their travels? or is everyone suffering from pastry withdrawal since the shuttering of Payard.
Half of the space is a sit down restaurant.
There are plenty of goodies behind the refrigerated counter, and baguettes along the back wall. The colorful pastries are quite enticing, including fruit tarts, eclairs, and a chocolate cake filled with passion fruit cream.
Tarts and other pastries in the case.
Some say the baguettes are a must try, as they’re made with natural sourdough leavening. Some have craved about the intense flavor. I had high hopes for this stick of bread, but wasn’t totally blown away by the quality. It was a tasty baguette, but not life altering as some might have led me to believe.
Breads along the back wall.
On the way out, I noticed that directly across the street there was a new restaurant under construction. The posters covering the glass windows had a picture of Francois Payard, with the text “He’s Back”. The pastry game is about to get interesting.
CS
Maison Kayser
1294 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10022
(212) 744-3100
http://www.maison-kayser-usa.com
Great post. Eric Kayser is well known in Paris and I was pleased to hear that he was opening a place in NYC! I As you said, between Him and Francois Payard, it will become interesting!