What’s the best thing since sliced bread? Who cares? Let’s talk about bread. Delicious bread. Here, Calgary’s top loaves, with a small detour in Banff.
Manuel Latruwe: Baguettes
What would a Belgian patisserie and bread shop be without a fine baguette? These firm, slightly dense delights are the highlight here, though few things could be better for French toast than their exquisite challah (egg bread). 1333 1 St. SE, 403-261-1092.
Urban Baker: Pear & Pepper Loaf
Hearty chunks of fruit make the pear & pepper loaf a highly sought-after weekend special. Their website even has a handy baking schedule for specialties. Head next door, to Diner Deluxe, to see these loaves in glorious sandwich form. 802 Edmonton Trail NE, 403-266-3763.
Rustic Sourdough Bakery & Deli: Five-Grain Pumpkin Seed Rye
Of course they make a heckuva sourdough, but the five-grain pumpkin seed rye, a crunchy combination of nutty and grainy, is the real star here. Earthy flavours elevate this humble rye to sublime heights. 1305 17th Ave. SW, 403-245-2113.
Wild Flour: Foccacia
You can’t go wrong with bread that evokes an airy pizza crust; it’s covered with eggplant, roasted red peppers and everything but the sauce. Herbaceous and soft, it’s a must-see. 211 Bear Street, Banff (Bison Courtyard Mall), 403-760-5074.
Image courtesy of edokhan.
do you have views on egg bread and MoOntreal bagels?