Blackbird Bakery

On Bainbridge Island, Washington, just west of Seattle by ferry, is Blackbird Bakery. Known to locals as the best bakery in town, it will catch the eye of any hungry person walking down Winslow Way. Blackbird’s bread is made for toasting, and with house-made jam it is as good a simple dish as we’ve ever tasted.

Gluten-free baked goods are delectable bites of heaven every bit as much as their gluten-full counterparts. I especially like the GF morning glory muffins. My mom and I discovered them one day after we had been to early morning yoga and we each ate an entire one — quite a feat, considering they are good-sized muffins, packed with shredded vegetables and fruits including carrots, zucchini, apples, raisins, and dates. Brown sugar sweetens up the muffin, making it a just-right bite if you are craving something sweet but not overpowering. The top is a beautiful crust spangled with larger sugar crystals: That’s the part I usually eat first because it is so good!

Now, for the toast. The crunch and soft interior of the extra-thick slice, plus jam, make it one of the best dishes at Blackbird Bakery. I once had a friend attempt to overnight ship someone toast because it is that good! The bread is baked in house and the jam is made here too. The sweet, slightly tart flavor of the jam is better than any store-bought option, pairing perfectly with the thickly-sliced toast.

Accompany your treat of choice with one of Blackbird’s rich coffees, a new elixir juice, or hot tea. There is seating inside up against windows to watch people pass; or, when it is nice out, there is a gorgeous patio. When you take a trip to Bainbridge, definitely put Blackbird Bakery on the itinerary.