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.

Bakery Month #2: J Scones

J. Scones
4119 E. Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA
215-489-9198
Hours:  Wed-Fri 8a-6p; Sat 8a-3p

An inconspicuous small shop with a subtle sign offers uniquely delightful scones.  While the baker's retail hours are limited, scones and other pastries and cakes can be ordered.  Frozen bundles of scone dough can also be purchased---a wonderful item to have on hand over the holidays for those out-of-town guests.   In fact,this enables other local businesses such as Brig O' Doon Cafe to offer freshly baked scones. 

Scone lovers will appreciate the flavor selection and their moist consistency while those who typically pass over a scone should think twice if you make the stop at J. Scones.  Follow the small sign by the   Keystone Diner on Route 313.  The friendly owner will take the time to beautifully wrap your purchase. 

Bakery Month #1: Vegan Treats

Vegan Treats

1444 Linden Street

Bethlehem, PA  18018

610-861-7660

Hours:

Tue - Thu:	10:00 am	-	9:00 pm
Fri - Sat:	10:00 am	-	10:00 pm
Sun:	10:00 am	-	5:00 pm

Their Famous Peanut Butter Bomb

No time for your own holiday baking?  This month will feature just a few of the area's bakeries who may assist you in the remaining days of December.  Decadent treats with a purpose.  Vegan Treats' dessert & baked goods may be "cruelty free, dairy free, & cholesterol free," yet they are full of excellence.  My skeptical spouse, affected by the term, “vegan,” has become a huge fan—calling their Boston cream doughnut, personal-sized cheesecakes, and infamous “peanut butter bomb,” amongst the best desserts he has tasted.  We are blessed to have one of their bakers as a personal friend, who consistently feeds us with the latest goodies.

What does "vegan" mean, you may ask?  Veganism is a type of diet that excludes all animal-derived products.  Most vegans, including the owner of this nationally-known bakery, engage in this form of eating as animal rights activists.  How does one make a cake, cookie, doughnut or cheese cake that actually tastes good without the use of dairy products?  Hence, the mysterious delight of Vegan Treats.  Vegan or not, don't hesitate to experience for yourself. 

One might consider Vegan Treats a secret of the Lehigh Valley, located on an unassuming side street in Bethlehem.  However, this successful establishment busily supplies restaurants, bakeries, stores, and even vegan celebrities around the country.  Mainly a take-out business while seating is limited with 2 high tables, it still provides a fun place for a date with a friend, served with cute hot pink, black and white plates & napkins.  You'll want to bring a partner so you can get a sampling of more than one item.  For the dairy-free diets or vegans who miss ice cream, Vegan Treats also provides a delicious soft serve soy ice cream.  Their menu also includes gluten-free options.

My favorites? Wow:  Hard to decide between the peanut butter bomb, the coconut bun and the dozen options of cakes and cheese cakes.  Vegan Treats also serves specialty & wedding cakes.  It's not too late to place a Christmas order while simultaneously showing kindness to an animal.

Coffee Shop Month #4: Brig O' Doon Coffee House

Brig O' Doon Coffee House
239 Durham Rd.
Ottsville, PA  18942
215-847-6844
Hours:  Tues-Fri 6:30am-5:00pm  Sat-Sun 7:00am-4:00pm

Brig O’ Doon, is not only one of Buck’s County’s best-kept secrets, it currently holds the primary spot on my mental list of all-time favorite coffee shops.  To me, it not only effectively represents the culture of Bucks County through its historic, modern, down-to-earth ambience, but it sets a precedent.

Brig O’ Doon has become an appreciated setting for personal retreat.  On a country road, it preserves a quiet internal and external atmosphere for undistracted reading, studying, and writing.   My favorite spot is one of the window nooks, with a countertop made out of a large tree trunk and high glass windows-the perfect light and inspiring scenery.   A blend of "chill" music, such as Jack Johnson, is often playing quietly in the background as Ottsville locals move in and out during their morning routine. 

Brig O’ Doon attracts cyclists breaking from a journey on the country roads of Bucks County, while neighbors meet and gather around the front tables or the comfortable couches towards the rear.  It’s energizing to overhear the conversation & community that is facilitated by this atmosphere and observe how this has become the town-center of-sorts for this rural area. 

Once chatting with a fellow customer, he verbalized the philosophy of Brig O’ Doon:  “Get to know each customer by name.”  The owner, who opened the shop less than 5 years ago, has effectively trained his employees to mirror this personal approach.  Visible in his oversight on a daily basis, he leads the way in greeting consumers, and then introducing them to staff members. 

The personal touch & setting are not the only forms of excellence.  It rotates 30 different blends of coffee from Finger Lakes Roasters.  My favorite is Jamaican me Crazy, amongst the most vibrant flavored coffees I have had.  Patrick, the owner, is sure to state that he encourages individuals to support their most local coffee businesses. 

For the non-coffee patrons, they serve a variety of teas-brewed and often mixed in advance with milk & sugar.  Be sure to ask for a sampling.  Currently they serve Ajiri tea, a quality product with a social mission.  Coffee & tea can be purchased in bulk to take home.  

Brig O' Doon has a simple but quality selection of breakfast items:  my favorites include the baked goods (scones & muffins baked on premises or from local businesses.), the delicious oatmeal made to order (toppings include raisins, dried cranberries, walnuts, and/or brown sugar), and the bagels with a variety of cream cheeses.  I was surprised to find out the authentic NY bagels come from Vic's Bagels of local Bethlehem, PA, impressively hand-rolled and boiled by a Lehigh Valley Local!

One final feature is their neighbor, Kimberton Whole Foods market, offering a variety of organic products.

Brig O' Doon Coffee House exemplifies excellence: ambience, product, setting, & customer relations.  I look forward to many more memories of rest & retreat with a book, journal, and cup of Jamaican me crazy.