Gilded, Glorious, and Victorious: Baraka Bakery

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Baraka Bakery, although not much of a bakery at all, is still a magical, mystical place. Where else can you find seven different grinds of bulgur wheat? Or nearly a whole isle of tahini? Or house-made feta? Or turmeric roasted almonds? Yes? Magical and mystical? I’m glad you agree.

The employees at Baraka seemed a little suspicious of me at first, but I won them over with my enthusiasm with their store. They quickly gave me their allegiance and started showing me interesting items and guiding me around the store. I got to try all the wonderful olives they keep in bulk behind a counter alongside the cheese they make in the store. Oh, and those bulk olives are incredible. You must go in and get some free samples. My true and lovely comrade Amanda Odmark has found their olives unforgettable since I brought some to our Wanderlust Supper Club recently.

The packaging on so many items in Baraka is mind boggling. This is where the “gilded” comes in. Faux gold and curly-q logos abound. I nearly bought a rather expensive pound of tea that I had no idea what it was simply for the ornate package. For good or ill, I thought twice of it and put it back. My pocketbook thanks me if nothing else. I ought to research those kinds of investments.

One of the most beautiful and unique items in the store is a box containing rock candy covered in strands of saffron. It made me feel like a child and an adult at the same time.

Unfortunately, I have gotten wind that their baked sweets are deceptively disappointing. They look beautiful in the case, but from what I’ve heard they taste overly “corn-syrupy.” Even if they’re awful, they’re awfully pretty. However, their flatbread was good–I’d give it one thumb up.

Battling on,

General Gingersnap