Bakery Journey and Coffee Experience Notes

Introduction

• Experiencing the highest level of food craftsmanship and dedication.
• Describing experiences at a top-tier bakery and coffeehouse.
• Delving into the intricate details of baking and coffee brewing.

Le Bicyclette Bakery

Historical Background

• Founded in October 2019.
• The baker learned the craft at age 13, dreamt of owning a bakery.

Daily Operations

• Open at 8 AM, prep starts much earlier.
• Emphasis on consistency and quality.
• Diverse offerings: butter croissants, pain au chocolat, sugar brioche, danishes, traditional almond croissants.

Bread Making Process

• Importance of the starter in bread making.
• Hands-on, traditional techniques for mixing dough.
• Mastery of techniques over time; beginners observed before participating.
• Baker’s dedication: starts work at 3 AM daily.

Learning and Craft

• Baker's process requires discipline and a desire to learn sincerely.
• Remarks on the honor of participating in bread making.
• Comparative analogy: trained in one’s craft like learning to make sushi or rice.

Baking Techniques

Important Techniques & Tools

• Speed and precision essential for crafting baguettes.
• Gently handling dough: technique involves tough and gentle touches.
• Various baking outcomes tested: “first time” attempts judged by experts for consistency.

Signature Bread & Croissants

• Understanding the construction of classic French breads and their unique qualities.
• Signature pavé bread: special handling and proofing.

Dedication to Quality

• Encounters with expert bakers and their meticulous work ethos.
• Bread reflects craftsmanship akin to a cathedral in its artistic touch.
• Specialized staff including expertise imported from France.

Coffee Experience: La Cabra Coffeehouse

Introduction to Coffee

• Different approach to consuming coffee beyond just a means to an end (as a 'means to shit').
• Evolved through different coffee types and preparations.

Multi-Sensory Coffee Experience

• Journey through various exquisite coffee preparations: from basic to high-end brews.
• In-depth exploration of coffee origins, techniques, and sensory experiences.

Coffee Tasting (Cupping)

• Cupping: a professional coffee tasting method using ground straight in the bowl.
• Slurping technique to judge coffee characteristics.
• Experiencing different flavors and profiles of coffee.

Bread & Pastry Pairings

• Accompanying unique bread like Danish rye with specialized toppings.
• Signature preparation methods explained by experts.
• Enjoying coffee paired with unique pastries.

Overall Learning and Reflections

Bread & Pastry Craftsmanship

• Baking requires precise techniques and consistency, reflection of years of practice.
• Pastries like cannoli involve specialized techniques, classic and innovative flavors combined.

Coffee Expertise

• Exploring coffee's depth – a fruit with various profiles and sourced properties.
• Factors influencing coffee flavor: genotype, terroir, phenotype.
• Parallels drawn with other crafted items (hash pressing).

Synthesis & Takeaway

• Broader appreciation for the artisanal processes behind the food and drink enjoyed daily.
• Profound respect for the dedication and skill of craftsmen in baking and coffee brewing.