After my hang out with my friend, I went to get something she recommended: bread from Maison Kaiser. It is in a good location, across the street from Bryant Park.
I bought a pain au fromage (cheese bread), a hot item on their menu. They sold out by the time I went to the bakery at about 5 pm on a Saturday so I only got a mini version of the pain. Since the park was across the street, I sat there for a bit. The price is a little pricey for breads but it is worth treating yourself if you are in the area. The interior space is clean and modern.