Why this Blog

        Several friends have asked me why I'm writing this blog so I thought I'd put those thoughts into a posting.  First of all there is the obvious answer...I grew up a few blocks from "The French Bakery" in NYC and developed a love for French breads and pastries that is equal parts nostalgia, and a love for baguettes, pain au raisin, and plain croissants.  Secondly, I like the challenge of writing this blog...can I write a short entry - can I make it interesting for the reader - make them laugh or at least smile...show them an insight that perhaps they had not considered regarding life at the bakery?
        Perhaps it's the third reason that most interests me...I have been a woodworker/furniture maker for almost 27 years - 25 on my own - www.ortizstudios.com -   I have a great deal of respect for anyone who starts a business.  But this is much more than that.  This is a business, like my own, that manufactures, that makes, that creates what it sells.  This is something special, something that is much rarer than it was a generation or two ago.   And I admire that.  I want to support it...so...this blog.
        It would be enough if it were just about the bread and the pastries...but my sense is that this place is about other things also.  I admire the fact that when I walk in, sometimes, I see Doug or Michael looking through reference books reading up on flours, cakes, recipes.  When I recently saw Doug looking through one I asked what he was reading?  He told me that he is always trying to refine the ingredients of his breads and pastries...trying to make the best products possible.  He was reading up on regional flour makers.
         This place is also, I think, about building community through food...live music gets played here on occasion, baking classes for children, the occasional coffee cupping...Thanksgiving Dinner for friends...photo below.  There's good energy here...besides great breads and pastries...the body is fed but perhaps more importantly, so is the soul.