Help Rebuild Almondine!

Almondine Bakery, one of New York City's finest French bakeries, was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. All baking production was done in the basement kitchen, which was flooded to the ceiling. Sandy wiped out chef/owner Hervé Poussot's entire kitchen -- ovens, refrigerators, freezers, and specialized equipment -- his livelihood. (The picture above was taken Nov. 12, after the water was pumped out and clean-up was underway.)

He has no way to bake, no way to make a living. He still doesn't have full power. The damages are so extensive, he's still assessing the situation and figuring out what his options are -- but Hervé is committed to rebuilding his business.

We're a group of friends and neighbors who want to help him reopen. Working as the Friends of Almondine, we set up this campaign on his behalf. All funds raised go directly to Hervé, to be used initially for immediate needs and then to help with major rebuilding expenditures. He needs help to not default on financial obligations, he needs to pay employees for work done, and he'll need to replace all the destroyed equipment.

If you love Almondine, please donate whatever you can. All contributions, big or small, will be greatly appreciated.

Reticent Frenchman that he is, Hervé was initially reluctant to ask for assistance, but he needs it. Like others, we're taking a grassroots approach to helping him, asking his family, friends, and community for support. Let's get him back up and baking -- the neighborhood would not be the same without Almondine.

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ALMONDINE

Best Baguette (2006) -- New York Magazine

Best Bakery (2008) -- Village Voice

Best Bakery (2009) -- New York Magazine

Best Macaroon (2011) -- New York Magazine

**Hurricane Sandy wreaked unimaginable havoc in our area. So many homes and businesses have been devastated...our hearts go out to all those affected.**