Good bread is like a lovable curmudgeon - crusty on the outside, soft on the inside.
As a sandwich, it should leave the roof of your mouth in shreds. As a lethal weapon, a good baguette would knock an intruder cold. Beware bakeries whose loaves are wrapped in plastic. The bread may be fresh and tasty, it may be soft and savory, but it will not be crusty. We found ascendant breads at two bakeries.