Hello everyone,
I read these posts and could not stop laughing. Though I must agree with the first post and say that hands down this is the best bread I have had ever. I hail from Texas, and must say that compared to the average selections of things, Texas has a far larger variety than Alaska (a state I also love. for you Texas haters). Unfortunately, the FOB (French Oven Bakery), as my wife and I call it, has not made any pastries (like cakes for mom) since 2009-2010. So I find it hard to believe that the previous cake incident is accurate. I'm thinking they might be mistaken for another French bakery in town. Not mentioning any names, because the Paris Bakery might get mad. Just playing. They can be okay. So, unlike other people who claim to go there regularly, I actually see the down to earth people of the FOB (there's that acronym again) who package and bake their bread almost everyday.
Also, their authenticity is beyond parallel in Alaska. One of the knowledgeable gentlemen who is regularly there when I go, is (get this) actually from France. Like born and raised, learned to cook from other Frenchmen, met his brother while he was visiting, surprisingly (yes, this is me being sarcastic, I couldn't help it) also French. And, other Frenchmen I've met in Alaska while at the FOB (who regularly go out of their way at earlier hours then I care to be awake at) go there regularly because (check this out) it's exactly like what they used to buy at their little local bakery when the were back at the motherland (just in case you weren't reading, that's France). I feel a little upset because this is actually a small mom and pop business who isn't open to sale to the public, and still does.
Their service with me has been fantastic. I've been frequenting since 2004 (then they were located on Spenard where the Ammo Can currently is) and still have their amazing bread today at their newer location (where they moved to, somewhere between late 2005 and mid 2006) while I was stationed in GA. Like a true customer, my wife and I had them make our 32 center piece wedding cakes in 2007 as well as our six tear (because I'm crying it was so awesome) masterpiece. Thank you Celeste for all your hard work and beautiful art! She is the pasty chef who made that miracle happen. She no longer works there since they no longer make pastries.
I know they have had some people occupy the front cafe area that sold pastries from there after they closed their cafe, but I know for sure they no longer sale to the public or pastries. If you show up early enough and ask nicely, I know they will be more than willing to sale you whatever isn't already spoken for (by any one of Alaska's finer restaurants). Just so you know, they also make delicious Mexican sweet bread and cookies. I like the palmsears (I think that's spelled right) and so does my son. He also likes the polvorones (may or may not be spelled right). But if you miss out on the unclaimed bread they might be willing to tell you who sells it. I'm not sure who did but last I checked they had a Facebook.
I'll tell you one thing, this is one long term satisfied customer. I hope I was able to clarify some pessimistic misunderstandings for anyone reading. And if you don't believe me or any of the previous writers, check it out yourself. The worst that can happen is that you'll find the best and most authentic French bread in Alaska. I'll bet they'll even be willing to slice their loaves for you. I like mine thick by the way. Hope this was helpful. read more