10 great places to harvest a bounty of artisan breads
— -- The traditional Thanksgiving turkey will, of course, be the centerpiece on holiday dinner tables next week, but why not try something different in the breadbasket? Peter Reinhart, author of the new Peter Reinhart's Whole Grain Breads: New Techniques, Extraordinary Flavor,shares his recommendations for artisan bakeries nationwide with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.
Acme Bread Co. San Francisco
"Acme, the first of the new- generation bakeries to consistently produce world-class hearth bread, is the most important artisan bread bakery in America. Every time I visit, the quality actually seems to improve," Reinhart says. "In addition to some of the best bread you will ever taste, shopping at Acme's also provides an opportunity to visit the gorgeous Ferry Building Marketplace — the new benchmark of American artisan food markets." 415-288-2978; ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/acme_bread_company.php
Amy's BreadNew York
"There's no shortage of terrific bakeries in New York, but Amy's Bread has distinguished itself for its commitment to quality products and community involvement," Reinhart says. "The semolina fennel raisin twists are a signature item, but all of the breads and pastries, such as the wonderful muffins, scones and cakes, are baked with the same attention to detail and traditional craft techniques." Visit the Chelsea Market location — one of three in the city — for one-stop holiday shopping. 212-462-4338; amysbread.com
Clear Flour Bread Brookline, Mass.
"Abe Faber and his wife, Christy, have been producing spectacular breads and pastries for 24 years at their small bakery," Reinhart says. "Try the French Ancienne, a ciabatta-like rustic bread with a crisp crust and creamy large-holed crumb. They also make dense, complex German rye breads. Take a few of the morning pastries home, too. Check the website for their daily bread menu." 617-739-0060; clearflourbread.com
Village Bakery Cafe Amarillo, Texas
"The ciabatta breads are beautifully holey, the croissants are flaky, and the fresh fruit danishes are to die for at Phyllis and George Enloe's shop," Reinhart says. "They also make seeded and red curry lavash cracker breads, focaccia, and various country breads with nuts and cheeses, as well as gorgeous desserts." 806-358-1358; villagebakerycafe.com
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