Benicia is bountiful with baked goods
As the seasons change from summer to fall, and we cast aside our shorts for sweaters, I realize my favorite season has arrived. Freshly picked red apples, vibrant orange pumpkins, and multihued pears herald a new foray into the taste treats of autumn: golden flaky pies, tarts, cookies, cakes and cobblers. The autumn chill turns our thoughts to heartier fare that includes these baked treats. Fall celebrations and Thanksgiving create a demand for these seasonal delightful pleasures. And here in Benicia we have a set of diverse and delicious bakeries where we can indulge ourselves to our heart’s content with a variety of tasty treats.
One House Bakery
One House Bakery at 918 1st St., is headed by Hannalee Pervan, a Le Cordon Bleu trained, transplanted Canadian who baked bread and pastries for Bouchon Bakery and The French Laundry. Occupying an airy, bright space, One House Bakery displays an abundance of delectable treats, arranged in a tempting fashion. Baked goods include cookies, potpies (chicken and vegetarian), croissants, sticky toffee pudding, cinnamon buns, and scones. Pies include a scrumptious apple crumble pie, traditional pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie and chocolate cream pie. They offer a variety of sandwiches, soups and other light fare that can be enjoyed inside or on the outdoor deck.
Fox and Fawn Bakehouse
Fox and Fawn Bakehouse is located at 305 1st St. This bakery is only open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, but Fox and Fawn also maintains a booth on Thursdays at Benicia’s Farmers’ Market. They are best known for gourmet cupcake creations that include fresh berries (seasonal), vanilla rose, lavender almond, chocolate espresso, Mexican chocolate and sea salted maple. Besides the cupcakes, they also sell freshly made cookie dough (non-dairy, and egg free, it can be eaten raw or baked at home) at the Farmers’ Market. Fox and Fawn Bakehouse is also famous for their romantic wedding cakes that feature fresh flowers and vegan, organic and fair-trade ingredients. Tastings and consultations for wedding cakes are by appointment.
Farm and Flour
With an emphasis on really good bread, Farm and Flour bakery at 700 1st St., features baguettes, sandwiches on baguettes, and all sorts of toast including Danish rye and cream cheese, jam on wheat toast, and the ubiquitous avocado toast with feta, lemon zest and mint. Besides the delicious breads used in the toasts and baguette sandwiches, Farm and Flour has gluten free bread as well.
Dianna’s Bakery & Café-Deli
Last but not least, Dianna’s Bakery & Café-Deli is open every day except Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. and has the biggest menu of all four of Benicia’s 1st St. bakeries. Dianna serves a scrumptious breakfast that includes quiche, waffles, cereal, egg dishes, phenomenal French toast, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Lunch offerings are specialty sandwiches (both grilled and non-grilled), freshly made soups, salads, and wraps. Dianna even makes a variety of tacos and quesadillas, as well.
Dianna’s Bakery and Deli has a large selection of pies, cakes, tarts, cookies, muffins and scones to choose from. All baked goods are made from scratch on the premises. Cheesecake flavors include New York, cappuccino, Key lime, pumpkin and white chocolate raspberry. If you are considering pies or cobblers for your holiday table, Dianna has nine varieties including pumpkin pie with pecan streusel topping, peach cobbler and bourbon pecan pie. Of the thirteen pies Dianna offers, classic tiramisu, fresh fig cake, New York sour cream crumb cake and lemon cake are favorites. Cookies are especially popular, and Dianna has a stellar selection with biscotti, chocolate chip, lemon shortbread, molasses ginger cookies and others.
We are so lucky here in Benicia to have four wonder-filled and wildly different bakeries to satisfy the carb-lover that dwells within each of us. As the author Kim Barnouin says, “I love to cook in general, but my heart lies in desserts.” Each of the four bakeries are sure to please with their unique and yummy goodies. Be sure to pre-order your cakes and baked goods to assure that they are ready for you during this busy season.
