Lately I find the word "organic," along with an occasional antiquated "rad," making Kevin Bacon like appearances in my descriptions of Portland businesses that I love. While tethering on the edge of overuse I think it beautifully describes the honest, uncontrived, unpolluted, healthful, simple, interconnected nature of gems like Alberta's Back to Eden Bakery Boutique.
Set amongst a busy section of one of my favorite streets there's a sense of peace as one enters. Warm woods, a cool playful color palette, affable staff, plants, touches of a-symmetry and rustic textures all contribute to the bakery's fresh welcoming feel, almost the antithesis of the stark uber-modern space Little T American Baker inhabits on Division. From the fun wall art to the weathered calender blocks evidence of thought, hard work, and good taste pervade both the atmosphere and the baked goods.
Biting into a little pastry cup of Rocky Road heaven, rich chocolate, nuts, gooeyness, I found myself convinced that treats like these could be just as sinful sans animal products. Oh yeah, so everything offered here is vegan (and a few items even gluten-free). While this might not make much of a difference for me (especially since from a taste stand point the baked goods here are fantastic by any measure), I think its great that places like this and Portobello provide the vegan community with opportunities to order without having to wonder about each and every ingredient.
But Back to Eden's more than just tasty bakery bites. The menu is chalk full of ice creams, shakes, hot and cold beverages, syrups, and even bulk candy. Add to that some Holy Kakow chocolate syrup (for all your chocolate syrup needs), a healthy selection of cookbooks, and even something penned by Alicia Silverstone (apparently "The Kind Diet" is a bestseller, this may not be news to others, but last I saw she was Clueless).
B to the E isn't just my favorite vegan bakery, it's one of my favorite P-town bakeries. Community oriented owners and staff, a wide range of deliciousness, and an "organic" sensibility that extends beyond their food, along the galaxy of artisan awesomeness that is Alberta, this is most definitely one of the stars.
Back to Eden Bakery Boutique
2217 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
503.477.5022
Every Day 9-8
http://www.backtoedenbakery.com/new/index.php
Mostly harmless, huh? :) I really love your photo collages - they're gorgeous and creative and make everything pop!! This bakery looks interesting, and as a seeker of taste, I probably wouldn't seek them out (I haven't generally like vegan sweets), but I am willing to sink my teeth into some of that Rocky Road heaven!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I often find that truth is somewhere in the intersection of different perspectives and try my best to visually represent this. I find the collages a little busy, but hopefully people can look at them and immediately get sense of place.
ReplyDeleteThat Rocky Road thing was indeed good. As a seeker of taste I also recommend finding your way to Sweetness (if you haven't gone already) http://www.pdxploration.com/2010/02/sweet-serendipity.html It's homestyle baking that looks simple, but is simply amazing. :)
btw love your wine adventures!