(Not) Biking to Bakeries

I am starting to feel fraudulent, since my recent blog posts have not involved biking to a bakery. Today’s excuse is that it was cold and windy this weekend (by Santa Barbara standards), and we finally received significant rain. While my bike stayed dry in my garage, I drove downtown in pursuit of tasty baked goods.

Last summer I rode with a friend to a flea market in Summerland, hosted by The Farmer and the Flea. Not only did we purchase a delicious lunch (prepared by Snack on My Snacks), I left with a cute denim skirt. I was saddened to learn that there would be no more markets of this type in Summerland but gladdened to learn they would be held at El Presidio in Santa Barbara.

With a mere 30 minutes at my disposal, since I had to work that day, I parked near the Presidio and did a speedy tour of the vendors’ goods on both sides of Santa Barbara Street. El Presidio is an ideal location and backdrop for such an event: its historical buildings invite people to admire them from within and without, there is room to wander from vendor to vendor without feeling cramped, and being outside these days feels like the right thing to do. I dearly wish I had had more time to check out the home decor and clothing and only managed to take in a couple of vendors’ wares.

At Sola Ceramics, I admired Nicole Garay’s lovely array of mugs, bowls, plates, trays, juicers, and berry colanders. Her color choices and delicate engravings were unique. I walked away with the colander below whose purchase I justified for its beauty and functionality. I’ve already put it to use.

My second and final stop happened when I noticed a line of people in front of a table of baked goods. I immediately jumped in line and was elated to notice the vendor was Chez Justine, a baker I had read about but whose pastries I had never tasted. Since time was short, I craned my neck around the people in front of me while trying to memorize what was on offer. Sadly, the baked goods which most appealed to me were sold out. Of course I was happy for Justine, but crushed for myself. Did I want to tackle the guy in front of me and swipe the last divine-looking round coffeecake that h’ed purchased? Yes; but I maintained my composure and ordered three items: a kumquat orange frosted scone, a hazelnut and chocolate pastry, and a cinnamon roll. Justine was very kind and approachable and seemed pleased at how busy she was that morning.

When I arrived at Twenty-Four Blackbirds, I grabbed a knife and used it to divide the pastries in two. My boss and I shared the pastries and enjoyed them all. His favorite was the unconventional cinnamon roll. He liked the lightness of the layered, flaky pastry dough and the fine grains of cinnamon and sugar. As you have learned by now, I am a big scone fan, and Justine’s did not disappoint. It was buttery, the unusual fruit combination’s flavors shone through, and it had just the right amount of heft. Finally, Justine’s chocolate and hazelnut creation was delicious. Like the cinnamon roll, its base was a laminated dough, upon which the toppings were able to shine.

On Sunday I met Debbie at newly re-opened Lilac Patisserie. I learned from the manager that Lilac was closed in order to install a handicap ramp and to get started on expanding into the space next door. Exciting news! My friend and I eyed the beautifully decorated layer cakes that Lilac is known for, and I was disappointed that slices of cake were not on offer that day. A return trip, on bike this time, to try the chocolate one is definitely in my future.

Debbie and I both ordered quiche, she the Lorraine, and I the veggie. We were pleased with our quiches’ light, flaky crusts and custardy interiors. Mine included red peppers, onions, spinach, and cheese and was very good. I also liked the side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and a lively vinaigrette. To finish off the meal, I had a cafe au lait and a nice brown butter shortbread cookie.

Lilac Patisserie does a tremendous job making all of their baked goods gluten-free. I was a bit skeptical when it first opened years ago, but this place has a very loyal following and offers flavorful food and desserts. In an upcoming post, I’ll let you know what I think of that chocolate cake.