one of my favorite artisan bakers has a small bakery 45 minutes away.....bakes with flour ground especially for him in San Fran (um, we are in the mid-west)....wood fired oven.....last Monday he brought brioche, potato bread and bacon bread to a chef's potluck. Not only would I pay $6+ a loaf, traveling to his establishment would cost at least that much. He doesn't compromise and it shows. Would it be worth it for you? Don't know.
One of his competitor bakers who is making massive quanitities now buys roasted coffee from Matt (222 Artisan Bakery).....tried to talk Matt out of shipping in his special flour because it costs 7% more. Says alot about each baker. I'd drive 45 minutes and pay top dollar for great bread, than go to any grocery for mediocre bread.
Remember the bakers are not only baking through the night but traveling to get to Ferry Plaza....they also pay rent.....it's rough selling fresh baked goods at a farmers' market.....I know, for I ran a couple for seven years. |