We can all use some sweetness in our lives. Fortunately for us, the Sacramento region is home to a number of bakeries—some large, some small—that are well-equipped to provide that little bit of indulgence we deserve. Here are five of our favorites:
Divine Desserts by Aguirre This cozy bakery is located in a tiny, bright yellow house smack-dab in the center of downtown Loomis. The customer service area is so small that it can only accommodate two or three patrons at a time, though there are two marble-topped tables available that you can squeeze yourself into should you wish to devour your pastries immediately. The little family-owned establishment does a brisk business in wedding cakes and fanciful event cakes (check out the giant guitar and handsaw on the bakery’s website), but also offers customers a nice selection of goodies, including a sumptuous cream cheese brownie, yummy breakfast pastries (don’t miss the white chocolate-strawberry muffin) and a refreshing lemon soufflé cake. 6045 S. Walnut St., Loomis, (916) 652-6545; www.divinedessertsbyaguirre.com
Goodie Tuchews There’s a reason this charming business has been operating for more than two decades. Goodie’s cookies are wonderful—all of them. Conveniently located in downtown Sacramento, across from the Capitol building, Goodie Tuchews’ owner (and sole baker) Terry O’Reilly cranks out 19 cookie varieties daily, from butterscotch walnut and oatmeal raisin to chocolate chip and sugar cookies. Especially delicious are the peanut butter-chocolate chip and the chocolate-chocolate walnut cookies. The cookies are baked daily, and the shop is open until the cookies sell out (which happens pretty much every day). If it’s after lunch time and you’re hankering for a particular variety of cookie, it’s best to call Terry first to make sure she still has some in stock. 1015 L St., Sacramento, (916) 444-6048
The Grateful Bread Company A visit to The Grateful Bread Company will give your spirits a big lift. The bakery is so fragrant and cozy, with flurries of flour rising up from sturdy wooden tables and bakers busily stuffing fat loaves of bread into bags. And while the bakery does have excellent bread (don’t miss the toasted walnut-sourdough), it also offers up some truly delicious sweet items. Try the chewy snickerdoodle cookies, the hefty cinnamon rolls (covered with lots of icing) and the oh-so-moist coffee cake. Also worth the visit are the bakery’s tender maple-walnut bread (also with lots of icing) and the not-too-sweet cinnamon white chocolate bread (great for making toast). 2543 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento; (916) 487-9179
Mirabelle European Pastry Cafe Mirabelle is an oasis of European elegance along a relatively unexciting section of Winding Way in Fair Oaks. Located across from What-A-Deal Lace shop and next door to a car wash, the bakery attracts an enthusiastic following of customers seeking out not only the establishment’s fine pastries but its lunch and dinner cafe items. The bakery’s soothing, warm cream walls and coolly tiled floor are the perfect backdrop to Mirabelle’s beautiful desserts, which shine like pristine jewels in sleek black display cases. Try the flaky, layered Opera Cake and the airy, puffy éclairs—and your kids will love the oatmeal raisin cookies. 7318 Winding Way, Fair Oaks, (916) 535-0100; www.mirabellecafe.com
Freeport Bakery Freeport is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, and its popularity only continues to grow. A beloved Land Park institution, the snug bakery is famous for its lovely, colorful cakes (try the Princess cake and the ultra-decadent fudge cake) and elaborate wedding cakes, as well as its huge selection of cookies, breakfast pastries, breads and savory items. If you’re planning brunch, Freeport makes a very rich and creamy Quiche Lorraine (pair it with fresh fruit and some of the bakery’s super-flaky croissants), and rib-sticking potato knishes. Delectable pastries include the triple chocolate cookies, the sticky, satisfying caramel-walnut bars, and the fragrant, kid-friendly banana chocolate chip muffins. If you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday morning, arrive early—there’s often a line out the door. 2966 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, (916) 442-4256; www.freeportbakery.com
» Ron Cunningham’s 20th Anniversary Celebration At Ron Cunningham’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, The Sacramento Ballet’s artistic director was honored with a performance and party at the Sacramento Theatre Company.
» Ron Cunningham’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
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