First Bites are written after one or two visits.
Credit: Bread4U Facebook
The latest incarnation of the bricked Spanish mission revival-style building on Brightleaf is a bakery. It's run by Anna Wade, a native of Tennessee. She and her husband relocated to North Carolina in 2006. As with many fledgling food businesses, the owner has revealed this shop was born of necessity...perhaps fueled by a pressing need or a wish to contribute monetarily to her household. Inside is tidy and welcoming. During a recent promotional event, a friendly employee invited us to sample cubes of the breads heaped beneath the dozen or so clear domes dotting the round tables.
Each loaf originates from a cherished family recipe and is lavished--practically clogged with nuts or chocolates, fruits or other sweet embellishments. Our favorites were a decadent Peach Cobbler, the Key Lime and White Chocolate, Sweet Potato Pumpkin and a milk Chocolate Pecan-studded one. Least favorite was a near tasteless Andes Mint. I will tell you that baked goods dry quickly when cut so you may not get an accurate picture of how tender the crumb truly is. (Most cake bakers brush their individual layers with a simple syrup or liqueur for that reason). Before going we settled on a heavily bourbon-infused Praline Pecan that had ribbons of sugary goodness veining it.
Loaves are small, gift-sized (roughly 8 ounces) and can be pricey (they begin at $8.25, and can range to $14.25). It's not a place we'll go often, but it's perfect if you're looking for something to set out for a coffee gathering, bring to a small work function or give as a hostess present.
938 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield
(919) 889-4828
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