I still love La Gourmandine, but I feel that the overall quality and consistency of their bread is not as great as it used to be. The pastries are all still pretty delicious, for the most part. As for the bread, I'm not sure if it's just because I've now been spoiled by better baguettes (see: Five Points Artisan Bakeshop) and other amazing bread (see: Bread & Salt) or if the quality has actually declined. I still occasionally get baguettes and sandwiches here because they're conveniently located in my neighborhood, but they just don't move me like it feels like they once did.
The service is very friendly and competent; I love all the folks who work here. It's great that they have seasonal pastries, too. Always a fun treat! Get here early on Saturday and Sunday mornings, as the line sometimes goes out the door by 9am or so!