Long-ferment sourdough bakery recently opened (about June 1'ish 2024) on The Bench, behind Lark &…read moreLarder in the space that was formerly a coffee shop (that sold bakery items) and then a no-alcohol libation place. You need to know it is there to know it is there and now you know. It may be a little out of the way but it is worth the trip.
"AAAHH.."-ROMA MEETS WARM WELCOME: It smells like an "aaahh..."some bakery when you walk in the door. Added to the aroma is the "welcome in" hospitality of the people who work there at the small front counter who will answer your questions to sell you the bakery goods. In a write up at the site the owner says, "It brings me great joy to serve you all." You wouldn't even need to know she said that to feel that spirit in the air.
THE EATS: Everything, both sweet and savory, is long-ferment sourdough which is said to be digestible by people with certain gluten intolerance. (I have celiacs in my family and I have to say they couldn't eat a wheat flour bread no matter how it was fermented, but I do understand gluten intolerance takes different forms.) Aside from that, it is delicious for all eaters. The heart and soul of the owner / baker is in this and I'll insert "In Her Own Words" at the end of this tome because what she has to say is so lovely.
We were introduced to Pure Bliss when we bought their pizza dough at "backside neighbor" local market Lark & Larder before the bakery was bricks and mortar site. We have subsequently enjoyed their bacon, cheddar loaf and pizza dough purchased at the bakery and we look forward to trying more.
CLASSES: Check the site because sourdough baking classes are offered at the bakery from time to time. The next one is coming up in July 2024 and then again in September. Sourdough starter is sold at the bakery too.
HOURS: Limited right now, Thu and Fri (11 - 3) and Sat (9-12). So good to know that too before you make the trip.
PARKING: Woohoo! They have a small parking lot. It includes one correctly designed and placed ADA spot too. A rarity in this part of Boise. Good for them.
ACCESSIBILITY: A van accessible parking spot in the lot. Walkway to the front door and all on one floor with standard height sales counter.
SEATING: None inside, this is take and go. But there is a small bench just outside the door.
LOO: Didn't notice one but as a take and go place they would not be required to have one for public use by code.
GOOD NEIGHBOR: And if you're looking for local produce (like Purple Sage, Fiddler's Green and Waterwheel), animal proteins (like Malheur and Boise River Lamb) and other good things to eat (like Boise's Chocolat Bar and Ferranti Fresh Pasta) plus local craft makers, Lark & Larder is a great place to visit behind the bakery.
IN HER OWN WORDS: The owner says the following. I love it.
"It nourishes me. It nurtures me. It grounds me. I love every part of it. It's not about the end result, it's about every part of the process. I love having my hands in the dough. I love seeing the bubbles as the dough ferments. I love the aroma of my kitchen. I love seeing the beautiful boule presented from my oven. I love the sound of the crust and the taste of the freshly baked loaf. I love not being in the corporate world or being told how to work or how to run my day. It calms me and I like to eat it too. I don't rush it, I flow with it. It's been part of a growth process for me. It's not about being someone whom I am not, it is about being who I truly am. It is about just be-ing. The corporate world, and the world as a whole broke me. I was empty. I never want to go back to what was. I bake to nourish myself, and as a bonus other people want what I bake too. I love my customers. They are all so grateful to have to be able to enjoy bread again. It brings me great joy to serve you all."