King Arthur Whole Grains Baking Class and Montreal bakeries

Montreal bagel so you can see the dfference between a NY one,  Take good notes and lots of pictures.  People who take the class say they wish they had taken better notes and more photos.  Take as many starters away as you can, especially the rye sour :-)

I took an artisan bread baking class there a couple of years ago. I was impressed by the staff: professional, friendly, helpful--they'll answer any question with good information--and are down-to-earth. The only thing I found disappointing in that class was the staff made the dough for two or three of the breads, and we only did the shaping and scoring. A solo baker, with no local mentors, I'd gone there to "feel someone else's doughs".

I second taking lots of pictures. If your a photography buff leave your high-end camera at home; take a point-and-shoot. Don't let the photographing become your focus (play-on-word intended).

For about two years in the 90's I visited that area frequently. It's nice you're going with your wife. Norwich is within a short drive from White River Junction VT, West Lebonan NH, Hanover NH, and Woodstock and Queechee VT. WRJ once had a good artisan bakery on Main St.. Woodstock has some very good restaurants--I've forgotten every name, ask the locals for recommendations--and is a lovely New England village (a bit touristy). Quechee is home to a well known glass blower, Simon Pearce--big store, demonstrations--and the Quechee Gorge is spectacular. Hanover, VT is home to Dartmouth College, has an excellent Co-op store, and also good restaurants (I really like Hanover. Considered living there, but chose warmth over winter). West Lebonan, NH, just across the Connecticut river from White River Junction, is home to the Seven Barrel Brewpub, founded by one of America's well-known home-brewers and DIY authors,Gregory J. Noonan; try the Mullagitawny Stew and have a pint.

Please post your experience here.

David G

D

Premier Moisson has numerous outlets in Montreal, some better than others.

The one in Atwater market is in my opinion, the one to go to.

http://www.premieremoisson.com/en/stores/atwater-market

Full range of baked goods : sweet, savoury, soups, sandwiches -  great assortment of breads. I was in Montreal for a month living close by and must have gone there five days every week.

Practice your French a bit when ordering or you might be met with a blank look.

Boulanger Olive in Old Montreal is a very popular spot and if you’re in that part of town, drop in for a look. Not my cup of tea, but you’ll probably be in line for a minute or two. (no picture)

http://www.oliveetgourmando.com/pdfs/OG_presskit.pdf

You won’t be disappointed going to mamieclafoutis.

http://www.mamieclafoutis.com/

Great baked goods and lots of seating in a cool (hot in Montreal) environment.

My favourite shop in Montreal is:

Au Kouign Amann

http://www.yelp.ca/biz_photos/boulangerie-kouign-amann-montreal?select=-uu7YbF9wzVdugDKb5DGaA#i3iws9NDwwMW4GPdgpvuLg

Tiny place – two or three tables, good KA.

 Fun place to be if you can snag a table and absorb the aromas of a small bake shop.

As for Montreal’s famous bagels:

St Viateur

http://www.stviateurbagel.com/main/

or Fairmont.

http://www.yelp.ca/biz_photos/fairmount-bagel-montreal?select=8hF03v1FIoUnnJDKBIkUYA#iReI57z59tpggkg8d_o1Qw

I’ve tried both and think they’re good but the locals are mad for them,

Both places don’t use salt in the dough, which surprised me:

“No salt, really”?

St Viateur has a couple of sit down café’s ;

they do know how to make a great bagel sandwich plate.

If you find the time, you really should go into Swartz’s deli.

http://schwartzsdeli.com/

I personally prefer Dunns smoked meat sandwiches but Swartz’s is famous.

Great atmosphere, good food – you won’t regret experiencing this place.

Have a great class and enjoy your short Montreal visit

H