REVIEW: Lafayette Bakery

Final Score: 76.7%

Remote learning is a mixed bag, I suppose. When UC Davis announced it would extend remote learning until the end of January, my feelings were mixed, my reaction understated, the entire situation nuanced.

Remote learning during junior and senior year took a bit of a toll on me, but ultimately was the catalyst for my developing relationship with caffeine. This partnership developed not because of its energizing effects as you might expect, but rather for the sense of adventure and comfort an adventure to a caffeine dealer gave me. Twice, sometimes three times a week, I would hop in my little car between zoom classes and adventure out into the wild. The radio would play, and I would sit in my car, maybe humming along if I mustered the energy. I drove to Starbucks, where an iced caramel macchiato waited for me, and I would hop back in my car and make the trip back, in silence. Though seemingly innocuous, this time was indeed an adventure. I felt each time as if I was making a grand journey, tasked with the responsibility of retrieving a macchiato guarded by a fierce dragon, social distancing demons, or a goddamn Toyota Honda that refuses to use turn signals.

This frequent adventure gave me a sense of sanity. Sitting in my car alone- away from the noise of my parents’ work calls, the dogs, the silent zoom breakout rooms- made me grounded in a strange way. I got to be with only myself, if just for a moment, and relish in a drink I liked- a drink that gave me an excuse to carve out time in my day to devote to me and my own little adventure.

And this, among a few other reasons, is exactly how I came to understand the power behind coffee.

And of course you can now understand my sense of deja vu when I adventured to a caffeine dealer yesterday in the midst of a busy remote learning schedule. This deja vu reminded me of how these little caffeine trips impacted me, and how far I’ve grown since discovering the power of creating adventures in the midst of monotony.

And of course, I’m writing this monologue not with the intention to leave it at that, but rather as an intro to yet another review. This time, I turned into a different shop, a little French paradise nestled in The Barnyard off of Highway 1, Lafayette Bakery.

How’d it do?

1. Location: 4/5

I don’t love the Barnyard. This collection of shops, restaurants, and whatnot stands on the other side of the highway, closer to Carmel Valley. And for geographical reasons, I tend to lean toward Carmel Proper as my primary caffeine and goods dealer. This is personal preference, and I recognize how Lafayette is perfect for those living near it.

2. Aesthetic/vibe: 8/10

It is unapologetically French. Carmel High School French alums are all too familiar with this bakery, as we took field trips here and were forced encouraged to speak to the cashier in French. Notably, the display of pastries is cute and inviting, and the outside is adorable. There is some seating outside, I believe, but the size of the interior prevents and inside seating, a bit of a bummer.

3. Coffee options: 6/10

We’ve discussed this before: if a place is a bakery first, caffeine dealer second, we often see nothing above the bare minimum. C’est la vie.

4. Actual Coffee: 16/20

Just like remote learning, this latte was a mixed bag. It was too sweet one sip, too bitter the next. But those nice mediums were perfect, yet slightly too infrequent. The foam was plentiful and dense, which was kinda nice. Something tells me they didn’t steam the milk for long enough. I have mixed feelings. I’m giving this a lukewarm 16.

5. Price: 9/10

This latte runs you about $4.50! And the larger cup size gave great value. Chefs kiss.

6. Cups: 3/5

Cups remain one of my greatest disappointments in my life, which is all in all very telling as to how my life is going. She (the cup) was sturdy and cute, but no logo in sight, and that makes me sad. Sad Cass gives a score of 3.

FINAL SCORE: 46/60= 76.7%

Let me make something clear: if you want a pastry, a lemon tart, a toasted sandwich, an (insert other French item here) go to Lafayette! Their pastry and sweet selection is wide and always perfectly made. I could go on and on about their lemon tarts.

There lattes, however, have earned them a C. Or as the French say, “un c”.

Au revoir, Lafayette!