It's safe to say I work with the most awesome people, Part 1

Today, The Great American Bakery Hunt presents Part 1 in the series
"It's safe to say that I work with the most awesome people."  

Scott, New Jersey native, visited Carlo's Bake Shop, over the holiday vacation and was generous enough to bring back this handsome coffee mug to benefit The Great American Bakery Hunt's daily caffeination needs.  Without caffeine, and great mugs to drink it out of, we might never get all this bakery-related writing done. 

As you may know, Carlo's Bakery has been in the New Jersey bakery business since 1910, and most recently, was popularized through the show Cake Boss on TLC.   And even though they've clearly hit it big time, you still feel connected to the heart of this small family business as they share the achievement of the American dream with TV viewers everywhere.


Here's to having thoughtful colleagues from New Jersey who make the specific trip to Carlo's, and thus, qualify for the "It's safe to say I work with the most awesome people" series.  Thanks Scott!  The Great American Bakery Hunt salutes you.

 

Catering to the community

The Great American Bakery Hunt always appreciates a good story about nonprofit organizations and baked goods coming together for a cause.

Fast-casual restaurant chain Corner Bakery recently issued a press release detailing charitable organizations selected to receive free catering in honor of National Volunteer Week.

According to the release, Corner Bakery sees this as an opportunity to acknowledge the work of volunteers who are giving back to their communities. During these rough times, Corner Bakery's actions are particularly relevant for members of the nonprofit community. The economic downturn impacts the extent that organizations are able to acknowledge volunteers through appreciation efforts such as a simple "thank you" meal or treat. Because many community programs rely hugely (if not entirely) on the help of volunteers, Corner Bakery provides important support in this area.

Cheers for the "catering to the community" movement-- hopefully other bakeries and restaurants will follow suit.

The Hot Bread Cafe: an activist bakery

The Hot Bread Cafe in New York is a nonprofit bakery that provides social and financial opportunities to immigrant women and their families while preserving cultural baking traditions.

Read more about their mission and products on their website.

In addition to other places, you can buy Hot Bread Cafe's products at Blue Apron Fine Foods in Park Slope, Brooklyn-- a wonderful specialty foods shop I visited and fell in love with during my trip to New York last spring.

You can donate to Hot Bread Kitchen and support ESL classes for some of their bakers, or donate in support of a delivery vehicle-- these are the two fundraising priorities currently listed on the website.

Nonprofits and bakeries are two things that I hold dear and near to my heart, so the combination of the two is a union I love to hear about.

Turkey trotting to the bakery...

After participating in the Dana Point coastal Turkey Trot this morning, I was ready to gain those lost calories back with a little bakery hunting.

Imagine my delight when I came across a delicious chocolate chip walnut cookie at the race festival: this cookie had a perfectly gooey center and a crispy outer ring, made by one of the restaurant/bakeries in Dana Marina Center. I transported it to a nearby Starbucks, where I shared it with an old coworker and friend who had also raced that day. Among other conversations exchanged over coffee, we talked about how thankful we are to have had experiences in the nonprofit sector early in our professional careers.

I am thankful for many things and people in my life, but one thing out of the many that stands out to me is how fortunate I am to work towards causes that I believe in, and with others who believe in the same things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

p.s. Another cookie tip on the L.A. County side: Check out Schmerty's cookies over on Ocean Park in Santa Monica if you have a sudden cookie craving. This Mom and Pop cookie shop offers an assortment of delicious cookie treats...

Additionally, rumor has it that Jamaica's Cakes over on Pico might have some seasonal items to check out during the holidays...I seem to recall a conversation back in October about appealing sounding molasses cookies that may appear in a few months. Although beware, Jamaica's Cakes offers many items only if you order them first, and has a more limited daily selection of counter goods on display. Another note about this bakery is that it offers vegan and vegetarian options for cake fillings and other items.