It was the first stop of the day. I hadn't eaten because hearing about Maison Christian Faure got me hungry. I was set to meet with the owner himself -- Christian, if you couldn't figure it out -- and chat about his French pastry shops.

We enjoyed some freshly squeezed orange juice and a pastry or two and then I was handed off to an employee for a tour. At their Place Royale location the public can head upstairs for cooking lessons and there are even meeting rooms where you can have private functions. We toured the basement where the foods are made fresh every day.

Honestly, the smells in this place will make you hungry even if you're not. And then something about the vibe makes you feel like you MUST eat. And I agree, you should give something a taste while here.