I had enjoyed Maison Kayser’s East Side location and was delighted when I learned they had added a store on Broadway at 76th. Just recently, Millefeuille had opened on the same block bringing joy and buttery pastries to our shores. Could the UWS sustain two French bakeries? Only our taste test could determine the answer to this vital question. So we hurried on down.

While we waited on line, we moseyed on up to the bakery section and bought a few necessities for the next day–or possibly the same day. Great breadstuffs and the usual fancy pastries.

We sat down and ordered simple things–half a baguette hot out of the oven with butter and French jams ($2.75) reputed to be the best baguette in New York,

a nice large brioche with those lovely little sugary things on top ($8)

and some good strong coffee with cream. Why skimp I asked myself?

I have to say the onion soup was not as good as I have had elsewhere–but that is my only cavil.

On another trip, Rory and I shared the scrambled eggs with gruyere and asparagus–which were great despite the almost overwhelmingly strong smell of the cheese–it eats much more mildly than you’d think ($13 but enough for two).Neighbors had what looked like some nice smoked salmon Benedict

and just to round out our meal, we also ordered a pain au chocolat which was, if you can believe me, too rich.The service was always friendly and aiming to please.

while going home with our goodies was a pleasure deferred but not long delayed.

By the way, Millefeuille was doing a great business as we passed by–much smaller but with a few little tables for great baguette sandwiches plus a little something on the side.

Conclusion: the Upper West Side can certainly support two –or possibly an infinite number of –French bakeries/cafes on the same block– if they are good. We’re going back tomorrow; I think there may have been one or two things on the menu we didn’t try.