Can I get great bread shipped to me?
I am very happy with the taste of my breads. But I’d like to know what really great breads taste like. I think my breads are fairly sour, but without comparisons how can I really know. Many will say, if you are happy with the bread you bake what does it matter? Because I like to learn the things I don’t know in the hope of improving the things I do. I’m forever looking to build a better mouse trap.
I want to know the taste of really good sourdough breads. Breads that are tangy/sour. I also know that I cherish breads that are heavily seeded. I like bread that you have to chew, substantial. At this time, Hamelman’s Five-Grain Levain is my favorite. And there are no close seconds, at least as far as I know. I’m am forever searching for a bread that will beat it.
I’m looking for suggestions to have these types of breads shipped to me. If any that read this post, bakes that type of bread or know of a bakery that does, I’d appreciate the recommendation.
If any baker knows this type of bread and are willing to bake it and ship to me (and the cost is not super prohibited), please let me know. You can reply to this post or send me a PM.
I live south of New Orleans, LA. As far as I know there is no such bakeries near me.
Dan Ayo
There is a Jewish bakery in Ann Arbor, MI, that has a huge array of the breads you’re looking for. They even have a bread of the month club! They also have quality meats, unusual and sometimes rare oils and ingredients, pastries, cookies, the best anchovies (not those salty little fish corpses one gets at the supermarket). And did I mention cheese? They aren’t cheap, but if I recall, shipping is free (don’t quote me on that).
Zingerman’s Deli
In gratitude for this info, I’m sure that a loaf of Zingerman’s famous chocolate cherry bread sent my way will more than compensate me for my effort! ??
When did Zingermans become a "Jewish" bakery?
Thanks for Zingerman's Joel. I google "mail order bread" and found a number of bakers that are setup to ship. Generally, the price seems about $10 per loaf, which I think is very reasonable considering shipping.
But now, I need to know what mail order bakers are producing really GREAT and sour sourdough breads. My purpose is to get the very best samples I can find for comparison to my breads.
Danny
I think it is nice fun to travel to the places that have great bread and try them fresh at a lot of different bakeries. NY, SF, Paris, Holland, Germany Italy. I'm thinking there should be a few bakeries on Amazon that ship Prime for free. If not now would be a great way to start one. Poilane in Paris also ships their signature loaf to America as well
I travelled to San Fran several times with my SO on business. I buy a city bus/train pass and get a list of bakeries and restaurants to visit and go all day. One of the best baked products I had was in the Japanese mall in a kiosk.
You may not have to go far-google a list of bread,bakeries and food places in the city nearest you-or small town. Sometimes there are small independents working right under your nose. But be aware that if it is an individual operation (1 or 2 people), they are often some of the tiredest individuals I have ever met.
Whereabouts are you located?
I've lead a simple life. I'm 65 and have never flown on a plane. People ask,"why not take a trip and fly"? And to that I respond how many people can say that they've never flown on a plane? I'd hate to break my record. ;-)
Clazar, I'm 1 hours south of New Orleans. As far as I know there is nothing around.
It would be a learning experience to taste great breads. I love mine, but I'm always trying to improve. That's just the way I'm wired.
Dan
Looking for a renowned SF Bakery. Can I get some recommendations?
you might want to look into these bakeries, Dan:
- Bellegarde Bakery (wholesale, but you might be able to locate its bread in stores)
- Breads on Oak
- Artz Bagels
- Gracious Bakery & Cafe
-Sugermen's Bagels & More
- Tartine
- Wild Flour Breads
- La Boulangerie
It's been years since I was last in New Orleans, so I can't offer first-hand insights for any of these but their reviews are promising.
Paul
I went back and search google again, but didn't find the results you came up with.
I found out the Bellegarde Bakery holds classes. I'm looking into that now.
Thanks,
Dan
I found out that one of your recommendations was a fantastic bakery Just what I was looking for. https://bellegardebakery.com/
They make a wide variety of what appears to be fantastic breads, the REAL way. I am planning to attend a clas February 18, thanks to you. They also mill flour there on 40” stones. And it is available for sale.
Danny
I hope that you have a delightful experience with them (all the more so, considering the price!). Is the class a hands-on experience, or a watch the instructor experience?
Keep us posted, please.
As for your earlier question about the search, I just googled "Louisiana artisan bakeries" and followed the resulting links to see what came up.
Paul
Yep,hands on and classes are limited to 12. I’m excited to attend.
Dan
I searched Google and didn't find those.
I did see where San Francisco Boudin Bakery in CA. does ship loaves.
Has anyone tried their breads? I want to sample the good stuff.
Dan, stop worrying about the "good stuff" and enjoy what you bake. If you like it, what else do you need? I remember the French bread I ate in Vietnam and in France many years ago and have been trying to duplicate it. Maybe I've done it, maybe not. I can't remember the exact taste, crumb, and crust, so now I just enjoy what I bake and if I like it, that's good enough for me.
Besides, if you have the "good stuff" shipped in, it may not be the same as shortly after it's baked so you'll be chasing the wrong rabbit. Bake and enjoy your own.
but while i can't say if boudin makes great bread, my family loves it - really loved it when we went there in person, and always get samples when we go to boudin in disneyland - which, btw, since i've started baking we now sit and watch them make the bread. every year, my son gets a loaf and some goodies sent to him from boudin san francisco from his aunt, and everyone oohs and ahhs. back when i could eat wheat, boudin was among my favorites.
did you take that class?
Yes, I did take the class. I enjoyed meeting other bakers, but he class was very basic.
If you get back to Boudin’s maybe you could ask them for a few grams of their starter. I sure would like to try it.
Dan