Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Bread

[plivnik]

Hi! I'm looking for a bakery with great bread anywhere in or East of Pasadena. Idealy, I'm looking for whole-grain bread baked in a brick oven. I'd also like to know where to get a great baguette with a crunchy, well-baked crust (not like those overly soft baguettes you get at Von's!). I tried Europane's multigrain which was fine, but not great. I thought its baguette was bad: too soft and with an unpleasant flavour. Any suggestions?

[PurpleTeeth]

For a good Crusty Baguette, check out the Itaiian Bakery in Eagle Rock on Colorado, they bake fresh daily. Wonderful selection of fresh cookies and pastries as well.

[MaryT]

This may not be what you had in mind, but I buy this all the time and it freezes GREAT. It's La Brea Bakery's whole grain bread loaves (not sliced) sold in a 2 loaf pack at Costco for $3.99. And the ingredients -- all healthy stuff, great texture, and personally I need a tasty and hard crust. It's not refined at all, it's got a variety of grains, and lots of fiber, yet it isn't chewy or too much like some similar products I've tried.

I'd like to thank the woman that was nice enough to turn me onto it one day at Costco when we both were choosing king crab legs!!

[la2daykat]

pain quotidienne on colorado is pretty good...

[judybird]

If you don't mind standing in line for awhile, try the Bread Man at the Saturday Farmer's Market. He's got the best corn rye east of Nate & Al's, but also a good sourdough boule, panini rolls, etc.

[WildSwede]

That is what I was going to recommend. Too bad he is... so..... slow!! I love his yeast free sourdough and baguettes!!
I also like the baguettes that they sell at The School Cafe - it is pretty good. However, it is soft, so you may not like it.

[crystaw]

I had a nice crusty baguette at Wildflour Bakery in Sierra Madre. They had a variety other yummy looking breads too. Their cookies were good too (especially the oatmeal cranberry) if you have a sweet tooth. http://www.sangabrielvalleymenus.com/...

[plivnik]

Thanks! I'll give it a try. Chowhounds--any other suggestions?

[plivnik]

I just tried Wildflour's baguette, and you're right--it has a great, chewy crust! Their multigrain was decent, but the crust tasted a little burnt to me. (I know--this tends to go along with the crustiness I seek!). I tried Europane's hazelnut rye today, which was actually very good.