A visit to Black Lab Breads in Wilmington a few weeks ago to scout out buns for the Philly food blogger picnic reminded me of how good fresh baked bread is. Very good!I was looking for a bun suitable for burgers, but did not want to buy the generic buns you find in grocery stores. I had heard good things about Black Lab, so made my first trip to the small bakery on Union St. in Little Italy.
The selection of breads behind the counter looked scrumptious, but nothing was suitable for burgers. I was told they had a rosemary, parsley, and black pepper brioche they bake on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday that would fit the bill (my first visit was on Wednesday). So, when you go, note that the baked goods change daily.
Bright and early Friday I was back to sample the brioche. Light and buttery with faint herbal flavors and a slightly stronger black pepper bite, I went into a daze of delight, and told them I'd take four dozen. Also, a dozen chewy ciabatta rolls for vegan carb loaders.One snag -- if you want large quantities, you need to give them 48-hours advance notice so they can bake it specially for you. No prob. I was ahead of the game, so put in my order to be picked up on Sunday.
I also picked up a multi-grain sliced loaf for my work week lunches. Did I mention that fresh baked bread is awesome!
The following week I did something I never do. I took a lunch break. And drove to Black Lab, and ate a slice of the lightest, freshest, eggplant and plum tomato topped focaccia I've ever had. It was $1.50! That's cheaper than most crappy slices of NY style pizza. Eggplant not your thing? They have other varieties to choose from.Black Lab also has a small selection of pastries. Can you believe I didn't try any? Self control. I have it. But don't worry little pastries, I'll be back to eat you. My self control is fleeting.
Black Lab Breads
812 N. Union St., Wilmington, DE 19805
302-658-1307
Wed.-Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; closed Mon. & Tues.
10 comments:
If I had to live off one thing for the rest of my life, it would be bread (+ hummus, please?). Your photos are making me drool...
Looks awesome. Have you ever gone to Del-Buono's Bakery in Haddon Heights? I've been going there for over ten years and they have the best breads ever.
ffi - Bread and sugar and chocolate for me, please!
Preston - I'll have to check it out.
thanks for bringing bakeries back into the limelight...i think a lot of vegans end up avoiding or not bothering with bakeries, which are often associated with diary-ful, egg-y dessert concoctions, which is a shame because most bread is vegan. this reminds me of my time living in spain, when good bread was my lifesaver!!
p.s. perhaps I should work on formulating a "fresh baked bread" flavored cupcake ??
Taylor,
I actually live about 10 blocks from Black Lab Bakery. Good stuff, indeed. However, I must mention Sweet Somethings Bakery just about a block down. If you've got an extra $30 (who does these days?), consider going in and purchasing a cake or cheesecake. They're UNBELIEVABLE. It's the type of bakery that makes everything to order OR they make just enough to sell that day. I had a birthday party last night and was in charge of the cake. Idiot me, I waited until the last minute. Wanted a cheesecake, but ended up with a carrot cake. Lo and behold, that was the birthday girl's favorite type of cake and it was awesome.
Mixtape - Good point. Not being a vegan, I rarely think about if bread has eggs/dairy/honey.
DWA - I'll have to check it out. I hope they do smaller pastries as well, 'cause I'm not in the market for a whole cake any time soon.
Taylor,
Yes, they do. They sell miniature cheesecakes as well as single-slices. They also sell individuals molten lava cakes, I believe.
Thanks for the review, Taylor. I've heard good things about Black Lab but have never made it down there. Given that I work in Wilmington, I'll need to start breaking my "don't drive to get lunch" rule and head down there sometime soon.
David - If I remember correctly, they always have about 4 or 5 different focaccia "pizzas", but look in the other display counters, too. One day I saw a larger flat bread topped with goat cheese, walnuts, and some other goodies next to the pastries that had me drooling.
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