Beautiful Bread

Thank you for the wonderful article “Beyond Baguettes” (Oct. 13). As I read the descriptions of the various breads and background of making bread in the French tradition, a wave of nostalgia swept over me.

In 1995, my husband and I and another couple rented an apartment within a few doors of Poila^ne’s. While we waited for the apartment manager to let us in, we sat on luggage on the sidewalk glorying in just being in Paris. I mentioned to our friend, Thelma, that the famous bakery was [down the street], and she took off like a race car and came back carrying the biggest boule any of us had ever seen. She was so delighted when she informed us what she had paid in francs. My husband told her she’d just paid $8 for a loaf of bread. We laughed about that our entire stay but, needless to say, we dined on that delicious boule for three or four days. Along with other wonderful breads and tarts, we were well-served by Poila^ne. Every item was extraordinary, and everyone in the shop was so friendly and helpful.

SHIRLEY PORTER

Sunland