Just found out that the Flaky Pastry in chelms. bit the dust. Can't say I'm surprised. I ordered sunflower cupcakes there for my wedding and frankly was not impressed. the frosting hue was way-off. Last time I checked gray is not a color associated w/ sunflowers. Did anyone like this place? Okay it was good in the beginning, but then it strayed. Why does that happen? Is this a sign of a recession or a depression? For bakeries we are pretty much lost in Lowell. There are ethnic bake shops that I have written about, but I'm talking about old-fashioned American cupcakes/cookie joints. To say nothing of bread — rustic rounds made w/ love. Where are they? I just returned from NYC and I'm happy to report that neighborhood bakeries are sprouting up like starbucks. One place in particular, Amy's Bread has moved from a hell's kitchen hole-in-the-wall in to a huge space in the Chelsea Market. Was fun to watch the bakers stretch the dough and dust the oblong shapes w/ sesame. Isn’t there an entrepreneur in a flour dusted apron just waiting to open up here?
that's how it crumbles
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You know, it's a crying shame about the Flaky Pastry, but as you perceived, it started out well and then went downhill. Apparently (Chelms. Center rumor has it) it was co-owned by two couples, in-laws of some kind, who started out gangbusters but then one couple wanted to bail and it led to a schism. The past 2 years have seen them try to sell while doing the least amount of work possible to run a business. The customer service was appalling, as were many of the baked goods. There was a deal in the works last month for a young entrepreneurial baker to take over the space, but apparently there is some issue with bringing the site up to ADA compliance, which the landlord wants the tenant to do. So don't hold your breath.
It's so sad, because I remember when I was a kid Lowell was full of corner bakeries of all stripes. Now all gone--bummer.
How sad. Remember their great little Christmas cookie tree a couple of years ago? I tried ordering one and it was impossible since I was too late.
It seems that the little corner bakery is being eaten up by the big supermarkets, whose bake shops do seem to produce quality loaves and myriad tasty treats.
Acton just lost a longtime great bread place - Country Harvest Breads - which was famous for its terrific loaves. They also did lunches.
West Concord seems to keep on going with two great bakeries - Concord Teacakes and Nashoba Brook Bakery. And there's Sally Ann's Food Shop, a longtime bakery in Concord Center. That's three great bakes in one town. They have committed owners/staff, however, and keep adding to their product line. Also serve the commuter crowd at the West Concord train station. That seems to be key. Wonder how the Brazilian Bakery and Charo's are doing in Lowell. Have you checked them out, GG?
Foodie
I went to Buono Panini in N. Billerica to meet a friend for lunch the other day and was amazed to find the biggest, most beautiful bakery case of pastries, cookies, cakes, etc. The spin is certainly Italian, but they seemed to have all the basis covered. Yum. I never would have guessed this place was more than a sandwich shop, so this was a pleasant surprise. I'm stopping in there next time I need treats.
Has anyone tried the Portuguese Bakery on Gorham Street at the corner of Moore Street? Driving by, it looks appetizing but I haven't had time to stop yet.