It was hard not to chuckle when I first heard a patisserie was opening in Narberth. The town had been spiraling into the realm of cultural wasteland -- there was little reason for anyone to make the trip from local Bryn Mawr, let alone make a 25 minute commute from Philly. Although still struggling to distinguish itself from its upwardly mobile surroundings, the quaint town has taken some measures to spruce up its center "shopping district" by attracting some more distinctive establishments.
Enter Le Petit Mitron. The little patisserie francaise took a considerable risk in choosing Narberth as the flagship of their operations, but they must have known that talent goes a long way. The proprietors, Patrick & Isabelle Rurange (the former is a French trained pastry chef), have managed to transport their customers to France as they enter into the demure environment of the shop. The scintillating glass-hooded cases hold some of the most equisite looking delicacies, each seemingly hand-crafted. Patrick's hard work has not gone unnoticed (the man gets up before the crack of dawn to bake his wonderful croissants in Opus 251's kitchen).
Since its opening in 2001, Le Petit has been recognized by the Philadelphia Inquirer and awarded "Best Pastry Shop" twice by Philadelphia Magazine. Check out some recent pictures of treats I received for my birthday in the photo album section.
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