East End Sweets: Paris by Way of Blue Duck Bakery
June 19, 2012 | East End Eats
With locations in Southampton and Southold (and a third opening soon in Riverhead) and a wholesale client list that includes restaurants such as Almond, Nick and Toni's, and Navy Beach, Blue Duck Bakery is the ultimate Hamptons go-to for artisan bread.
Bypass the cookies, skip the brownies and cakes, and focus on the bread; this is where Blue Duck shines. Rather than soft sandwich breads, here you’ll find crusty loaves with deep scores and tender crumbs—think Parisian, not American. (You buy the bread today, you eat the bread today. No breadbox necessary.) Over 25 different types of bread are baked daily at Blue Duck's Southold location, including the classic French baguette, ciabatta, and yeasty, golden brown Pugliese loaves.
The rye breads are especially notable, namely the Finnish-style sour rye, a sauerkraut rye, and even a pumpernickel rye. For a classic, everyday bread, go for the multigrain baguette, the surface of which comes studded with toasted seeds and grains. When it’s warm from the oven, it’s close to perfection. Slice it up, slather it with butter, and wash it down with a cup of Hamptons Coffee Company Joe, which is served at both Blue Duck locations. For something sweet, opt for the decadent chocolate loaves, buttery croissants, and eggy challah. 30 Hampton Road, 204-1701, Southampton; 56275 Main Road, 629-4123, Southold
—KATHY YL CHAN
