When you walk into Dominique Ansel Bakery, it doesn't feel like you've left SoHo. But take one bite and you're quickly transported to France. The combination of French pastries and whistling espresso machines makes this place an undeniable treat for lovers of both American and French bakeries. 

The shop opened in November to a crowd of supportive customers. In the past month alone, the menu has been expanded to include ten new items such as the Salted Pistachio Religeuse and tiny puff pastries called chouquettes.

The glass display case is filled with desserts like macarons, éclairs and tarts. The bakery also offers items like pain au chocolat and its most popular treat, Dominique's Kouign Amann, a croissant with a hard caramelized crust and a soft, flaky interior. 

For fans of traditional American fare, Ansel offers items that represent a unique take on American food. They feature the untraditional Cotton-soft Cheesecake, which has an airy and soft texture credited to the blend of ricotta and cream cheese.

For those in the mood for a full meal, the bakery also serves sandwiches, including the Roasted Pork Club. After grabbing your food, you can take a seat in the simple, clean environment inside the bakery, or you can wander to the back and bask in the sunlight that radiates through the glass-enclosed greenhouse seating area. 

Don't let the luxuries of this bakery fool you -— France may be acclaimed for its couture trends, but you don't have to worry about paying a designer price at this bakery. Ranging from $2 to $12, the food at Ansel is affordable even for college students. To taste a little slice of France in SoHo, find Dominique Ansel Bakery on 189 Spring Street.

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838 Broadway
5th Floor
New York, NY 10003