Rate-A-Restaurant, #123 in a series

Restaurant: Paris Baguette

Location:125 N Western Ave. (Koreatown)

Type of restaurant: Bakery

They stipulated: There's a system to all of this. Walk in the door. Grab box and fresh pair of tongs. Walk around and pick out your desired pastries from a variety of bins. Show a little restraint -- or you'll end up purchasing one of everything. Walk up and dispose of your tongs in the used tongs pile. Pay.

We stipulated: It was snack time on a Saturday afternoon, and I've been eager to try Paris Baguette for some time.



What we ordered: A wide variety of pastries -- some with red bean, one a sponge cake with fruit, another a pumpkin tart (my favorite), and yet another a sesame roll. All were less than $2.



High point: The prices can't be beat, and the pastries are quite good, especially when you consider the bargain. That pumpkin tart was fantastic.

Low point: Yes, I got scolded for taking a picture inside the store. There was also some confusion when I tried to explain that we wanted to eat some pastries inside the store (there are a handful of tables and chairs) and take some home. They didn't have plates or utensils available, so we improvised. But still; given the table and chairs, no plates or silverware?

Overall impression: I love when cultures collide, and this Korean take on a Parisian bakery (it's a big chain overseas) offers up so many exciting things, what's not to love? The pastries are flakey and buttery; that sesame roll was crusty and semi-sweet... and I still want another one of those pumpkin tarts.

Chance we will go back: I'm sure I'll be stopping by Paris Baguette in the coming weeks for more goodies to bring home.