The Hidden Boulangerie.

Some of the best things in life are not always so obvious. And while a Boulangerie on any street is a happy find, one tucked behind a celebrated French restaurant, in Maine, is a blissful one. So are their Macarons, as I discovered.

Welcome to the 98 Provence Bakery. Made fresh daily: Baguette, Fougasse, Ciabatta, Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, Almond Brioche, Walnut Sticky Buns to list a few. And – sound the trumpets and french horns – Macarons! Beautiful, pastel, crunchy-chewy bites of pastery artistry. My vote: Pistachio, but the Hazelnut is a close second and the assorted colors make it hard to choose, so don't, get one of each I say.

There are also soups, salads and sandwiches – French Ham & Gruyere on a baguette might have you searching for a park, a bottle of Limonade and Jacques Brel strolling with an accordion. Croissant with warm Ratatouille and Chévre anyone? I might just start whistling La Mer.

And then there is whole-roasted chicken with lemon curry and thyme butter. It's a whole chicken, roasted with Chef Pierre Gignac's blend of curry butter and herbs, and it just begs for a bottle of Provencal Rosé and a farmer's table in a meadow. Don't wait to find one of those tables, just eat the roasted chicken anywhere, and hum.

Oui, s'il vous plait. And a few Macarons for dessert.

Find it: 98 Provence Bakery Boulangerie
262 Shore Road, Ogunquit, Maine 
Around back.
207 646-9898