UPPER EAST SIDE — French cafe chain Maison Kayser is celebrating the opening of its latest outpost — which will be the largest one in the city — with a cornucopia of free samples.
Croissants, brioche and chocolate bread will be just a few of the tasty treats available for free samples outside the store at 1535 Third Ave. near East 87th Street when the store opens Friday at 7 a.m., according to a company spokeswoman.
The 2,900-square-foot store will include 120 seats in the dining area, and a large take-out section in the front with an open bakery where visitors can watch the staff kneading dough, the spokeswoman said.
The bakery offers 20 different types of bread, including rye loaves and sundried tomato ciabatta. The take-out menu also includes a variety of French pastries, such as chocolate eclairs and strawberry tarts.
For lunch and dinner, the store will feature a special "fresh and light menu" for the summer, which includes watermelon and feta salad for $14 and a ratatouille cocotte for $22.
The chain opened its first U.S. store on 74th Street and Third Avenue in 2012 and has two other city locations in Flatiron and Bryant Park.
The shop will be open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. .
