Almondine Bakery, one of New York City’s BEST French bakeries, and our favorite place for croissants and pastries, was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, and is still closed. All baking production was done in the basement kitchen, which was flooded to the ceiling. Sandy wiped out chef/owner Hervé Poussot’s entire kitchen — ovens, refrigerators, freezers, and specialized equipment — his livelihood at the 85 Water Street location.

A group of friends and neighbors who want to help him reopen are working as the Friends of Almondine have set up a fundraising campaign on his behalf (All funds raised go directly to Hervé, to be used initially for immediate needs and then to help with major rebuilding expenditures). Within the first 20 days, more than $17,000 was raised, but much more is needed for the bakery to reopen. If you’ve ever visited Almondine and tried their awesome pastries, please consider helping out.

This Saturday and Sunday, December 15-16, 2012, 10am-6pm, there will be a pop-up fundraiser at Almondine in support of the rebuilding efforts. Chefs around NYC are rallying by donating the finest cakes, pastries, and chocolates for sale at this event. Pastry chefs from Payard, Le Bernardin, Épicerie Boulud, Valrhona, Bouchon Bakery, Dominique Ansel, Ceci-Cela, and more are participating.

Almondine Bakery (almondinebakery.com)
85 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

gofundme.com/save-almondine
Friends of Almondine Facebook page
@AlmondineNYC

Previously:
{NYC’s Best Baguette}
{NYC’s Best Macaroon}
{Herve Poussot of Almondine Bakery}
{NYC’s Best Bakery}
{Almondine’s Pies}
{Almondine’s Room Service}
{Dumbo Then and Now: 85 Water Street}