Le Bec-Fin Owner's "Art of Bread" Bakery Debuts Wednesday in Narberth

Yes, Narberth, it's true: After months of wondering at the signs on Montgomery Ave., Georges Perrier's Art of Bread will open Wednesday, June 8.

"I have been planning this for a long time," the famous chef and owner of Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia said of his new bakery and cafe.

The bakery and café—which will feature eat-in and take-out options—will certainly be different from the reservations-recommended style of Perrier's other restaurants, but the quality of its food will be the same, Perrier assured.

The menu features classic French café foods, such as quiche, breakfast pastries, sandwiches, cakes and of course, bread—all at price points similar to other cafes, Perrier said.

Head baker Katie Lynch will be preparing many of the cafe's products, along with baker Mody Camera, said public relations coordinator Patti Klein. 

Patrons can also special order cakes, candies, or catering for events as well, which will be prepared by "one of the best pastry chefs in the world," Perrier said, speaking of Le Bec-Fin's Cedric Barberet.

"I don’t think anyone can get something like this anywhere else on the Main Line," Perrier said. "You have to go to New York, or Paris—I'm not even sure you could get this in Paris. It’s going to be the top notch."

Perrier is the owner and founder of Philadelphia's Le Bec-Fin, which he opened in 1970 after training at La Pyramide. Perrier was instrumental in changing the face of haute cuisine in America, and Le Bec-Fin has been consistently lauded as one of America's finest French restaurants. Paul Bucose famously called Perrier "one of the best ambassadors of French cuisine." 

Now, Art of Bread will join the ranks of Perrier's restaurants, coming alongside Georges in Wayne, Atlantic City's Mia, and Philadelphia's Le Bec-Fin and Table 31.

The café was originally slated to open in May, then the date was set as June 1. Health inspections were what caused the delay, Perrier said, but the restaurant will be open for business beginning on Wednesday, June 8.

"I have a lot of connections to the area … I’m thinking now of moving back to the Main Line. I love the area very well, and I love the people, so I think I think it’s a good match for us," Perrier said.

Art of Bread will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. It is located at 920 Montgomery Ave., Narberth. Call 610-660-8222 to place an order.

"I believe in timing," Perrier said, "and I think the timing is right. I think the people are starving to get something like this in Narberth. … I think I will be the first one to bring a real taste of Paris and France to the Main Line."