The Great Chicago Croissant Caper: How Many French Folks Are Hiding in the Windy City?
Ah, Chicago. City of Broad Shoulders, Deep Dish Dreams, and...intriguingly, French fries that have nothing to do with France? But what about actual French people? Those bastions of berets and baguettes, do they grace the shores of Lake Michigan with their je ne sais quois?
Following the French Flag:
We know Chicago has a rich immigrant history, but pinning down the exact number of French folks can be a trickier affair than navigating a Parisian roundabout in a rusty Renault. The last official census doesn't distinguish between ancestry and nationality, and let's be honest, those questionnaires can be about as exciting as watching paint dry.
Enter: The Croissant Clue!
However, fear not, fellow Francophiles! There's a more delicious way to sniff out the French in Chicago. We're talking about pastry, people! Surely, a city with a sizable French population would have a thriving croissant scene, right?
Behold, the Magnificent Seven (Bakeries):
Forget the Magnificent Mile, let's follow the Magnificent Seven: Chicago's top-rated French bakeries. From piping hot croissants to pain au chocolat that will make your heart sing, these spots are a Gallic breadbasket paradise. And where there are great pastries, there's bound to be a French connection, non?
But Wait, There's More!
We can't forget the Alliance Française de Chicago, a haven for French language and culture. Surely, they'd have a clue, right? Well, their numbers are tight-lipped, but their presence hints at a hidden French community beneath the surface of Chicago.
The Verdict: So, How Many French Fries...I Mean, French Folks Are There?
Here's the truth: pinning down a precise number is tricky. But based on historical immigration patterns, bakeries that would make Marie Antoinette weep with joy, and a vibrant French cultural scene, it's safe to say there's a healthy population of French folks calling Chicago home.
So next time you're in Chicago, keep your eyes peeled for a beret-clad cyclist, your nose pointed towards the aroma of freshly baked croissants. You might just stumble upon a hidden piece of France in the heart of America.
P.S. If you do meet a French person in Chicago, be sure to brush up on your "bonjour" and "merci." Unless, of course, you want to engage in a spirited debate about the proper way to deep-fry a potato.
