Maison Roger
Click right to take a look around…
Another sunshiny disposition—Dijon seems to be full of them. But, caution: never ever take them for granted. As this simple woman exchanged words with me in French, never was there the slightest frustration. Heck, as her older counterpart crossed the counter from the sandwiches and chocolates in cellophane bags, tied up with springy ribbon, to the side of viennoiseries and Kinder Joys, she was apologetic for how long the coffee was taking. No ma’am. You are not my roadblock to coffee, but rather my gateway, and I thank you. Aside from being the fork of Rue de Serrigny and Rue du Transvaal, this break spot has got a lot going for it. The key colors are yellow and black, straightforwardly apparent in the logo on the two-dimensional, cream brick occupying the only free wall, the ceiling’s choice onyx fixture squares (in love with these), and the half-circle, drop-down ceiling right behind the counter. There is a magnificent amount of seating in a small area with a cafeteria feel that in no way spills over into the entrance space. Lit completely by the sun through floor-to-ceiling windows—those stud fixtures proving that they are just for my glee—some people munch on sandwiches, others are stare at phones. However, every single-leg table is trimmed with neon, and the long four-drawer dresser pressed up to the south-west facing window left me agape. No, it doesn’t “go together,” rather it “goes separate” meaning that the cohesion is with the repeating bald men (really, at some point I thought I was seeing double) who always took one of the backless (and heavy and very dangerous) stools at the dresser and the view of the colorful apartment block across the street. It too finds cohesion with the high school kid who walked in and prompted the greeting, “allongé.” The clerk already knew his order and opted for a confirmation rather than a polite salutation. This bakery isn’t well thought out (the black duck tape wrinkling on that support column behind the trash is really some unexpected urbancore), but it serves bread, coffee, and pastry. And, with endless sets and menus, laminated descriptions in an attack of graphic design, you order and choose your own separate way to enjoy.
SCROLL DOWN
SCROLL DOWN
For More
〰️
For More 〰️
Drink: Espresso
I understand why it isn't called a long rather than allongé. It took a HOT minute to pull and it was big. It could have been 6oz? The coffee was fine, a little sharp at the end. Don’t misunderstand me; it isn't good. BUT with a sweet or pastry it won't matter. So get the set and don’t mull over things too much.
••
Food: Croissant
The croissant looks homemade—an emphasis on the crescent, less on any pretty puff. It was soft and pillowy, not because it was ultra buttery or anything. Simply put, I think that it was well made and crafted (even if en masse) with an experienced hand. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
Just a note! There’s also a microwave in the seating area in case you want to heat the croissant up a little. Are the serving trays microwave safe, though? If you’re brave, there’s only one way to find out…