Little discoveries
I live near a treasure trove of bakeries and eateries that are privately own and not run by some big corporation. Since I had a doctor's appointment today, I left work early. On my way back, I noticed a little sign on the corner saying "bread" with an arrow pointing to the shop. Mind you, I was passing through a residential area so I wouldn't expect to find a bakery here.
I had a bit of time before my appointment, so I decided to check it out. The owner/baker was outside enjoying the nice weather and looked surprised to see me riding up on my scooter. Guess most of his customers are neighbors who walk to the bakery.
The first thing I saw was a cinnamon roll, so I promptly asked for one. I also got a small loaf of sandwich bread with whole wheat, a loaf of campagne (a French country bread), and a cheese and jalapeno roll (small French bread with cheese and jalapenos in it).
Mind you, the bread ain't cheap, but then, bakeries in Tokyo charge more for less quality. This bakery uses flour made from locally grown wheat and makes their own yeast. Considering the time and effort put into baking the different types of breads, the price is something I can live with, but it won't be something I'll be buying often.
I tried the cheese and jalapeno roll first and it was good. The cheese was mild, just the way I like it, and the jalapenos gave it just the right kick. I'm totally not regretting spending $20 bucks on freshly baked bread. Mind you, tax is included in the price and tipping is basically non-existent here in the Land of the Rising Sun.
I love it when I come across little gems while I'm out and about.
Have you made any discoveries lately?
I love fresh locally-made artisan bread, and I'm happy to pay more for good bread. Here, the cheapest bread is mass-produced in large bakeries. It's stodgy and tasteless though it is sliced.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of supermarket bread. Now that I don't have growing kids to feed, I like going to these mom and pop type bakeries and spend that little extra for better quality.
DeleteMy small town has a bakery that has been owned by the same family since the year I was born and I grew up less than a block away from it. I now live not quite 3 blocks from it and everything there is made fresh daily. It also has a restaurant side to it.The daily lineup outside the door for both the bakery side and restaurant /coffee side which serves all their baked goods is unreal but so very worth standing in line for.. Those look absolutely delicious..
ReplyDeleteThere's a popular bakery near where I live that has a line outside. They serve breakfast that's soup or salad du jour, coffee (free refills) or a pot of tea, and all-you-can-eat bread fresh out of the oven, and apple pie for dessert. I try to get in line before they open to get in the restaurant part at first seating.
DeleteMmmmm bread. I haven't made any discoveries recently. Living in such a touristy area makes it tough for new (non chain) businesses to thrive. I have my locally owned favorites, but nothing new has popped up in quite some time.
ReplyDeleteThe only chain businesses I see in that particular area are convenience stores and gas stations along the main road. The eateries that thrive in the area (and survived the pandemic) serve really good food and the owners and staff are friendly.
DeleteMake their own yeast?
ReplyDeleteThe bread looks wonderful. I love bread! My grandmother was a bread baker :)
ReplyDelete