Vive la révolution! Evanston’s bakery revolution, that is.
What could be more apropos than to hold a ribbon cutting for the new brick-and-mortar Fred’s Bread Bakery and Café on Bastille Day? A crowd of friends, family and other loyal customers were on hand on Wednesday to celebrate the official Evanston opening of its newest French bakery.
While waiting for the ribbon cutting to begin, a long line formed as people stepped up to the glass counter brimming with flaky French pastries to order a croissant, a loaf of Fred’s famous sourdough or perhaps an iced latte on a warm and humid morning with temps already in the high 80s. Frédéric walked among the many guests with a tray of delectable quiche samples and the mood was quite festive.
Councilmember Clare Kelly (1st) had a warm welcome for owners Frédéric and Kate Bressand and their son Nicolas as they joined the “many international businesses on Noyes Street.”
Before Frédéric cut the ceremonial blue satin ribbon with enormous scissors provided by the city, he and Kate had the opportunity to address the gathered crowd to thank them for their continued support through a long building process.
The real showstopper, though, was Tilda Swinton, an adorably chic French bulldog —and Fred’s Bread’s official mascot — who made quite the entrance in a red beret and classic black-and-white striped tee shirt, her rhinestone collar sparkling in the sun. (Tilda is owned by Kate Bressand’s friend Jamie Lewis.) One can only hope that there was a special French doggy treat for this hard-working bulldog or perhaps a bowl of cool Evian water…