Bakery Month #3: Baked. cafe' & bakery

BAKED. cafe' & bakery

228 Main Street

Emmaus, PA

610-966-6100

Hours:  M-F 8a-3p  Sat-Sun 9a-3p

 

Emmaus’ efforts to develop a downtown has proven successful.  Have you perused the Blind Willow Book Shop, had dinner at one of the restaurants, or taken advantage of the local produce at their seasonal Farmers’ Market? 

 

Amongst the gems, is Baked Café & Bakery, a small nook that fills a niche in the “Lehigh Valley & Beyond.”  The innerambience is instantly attractive with a neighborhood café’ flare.  If you’ve ever envied the café selection of US cities or European towns, you’d appreciate what Baked brings to Emmaus.  My respect for it grew when I came home and read about their history.  Opening in June, 2010 and then purchased by its current owner in January, 2011, their consistent goal is helping the environment and community.  They use biodegradable products, organic and local produce and products as much as possible.  Even their communal table at the main window and their chairs are refurbished local artifacts. 

The other asset of this quaint business is the menu selection.  Serving tantalizing treats for the gluten free, the vegans, or those who prefer whole wheat flour and unrefined sugar, you'll be sure to have a satisfied sweet tooth.  

For those who desire savory over sweet, they offer a small but thoroughly gourmet-flared selection for breakfast or lunch.  Some recent  guests positively commented on their quiche with goat cheese & sun-dried tomatoes and a “yummy” turkey sandwich.  They also chose the pumpkin white chocolate chip scone and termed the coffee ‘amazing,' a cut above another cup they had later that day in local Bethlehem.  I would agree--the coffee was superb...which I came to discover it's the fresh, rich taste of La Colombe coffee, one of my favorite coffees whose original cafe' is in Philadelphia.

Speaking of Philadelphia, I had the privilege of experiencing Baked with a Lehigh Valley-native journalist who has written reviews in Philadelphia & London.  With great delight, I share her observations:  

The large Victorian home that houses Baked first led me to false perceptions: the interior is actually quite small. But don’t let the cozy cafe’s size fool you, for what they lack in space, they make up for in their cornucopia of cookies, scones, salads, bars, and drinks- even for vegans! The ginormous, chewy vegan ginger molasses cookie paired with a spicy soy chai au lait proved a perfect and fueling pre-holiday breakfast. If I don’t return for the eclectic treats, I’ll certainly come back just to try the Pumpkin Pie soda.

Well-said.  I also look forward to returning for another cup of that coffee & a sampling of another selection turned down on this trip.   Their menu of cakes to order are also tempting, including gluten-free and vegan options.