It’s hard not to salivate as you walk into Brockway Bakery and see the delectable display case full of goodies. But the bakery offers so much more as my assistant taster, Nora Daniels, and I discovered at a recent lunch. Hands-on owners Julie and John Wainscoat are pros at the bakery biz and the Wainscoat family has owned the bakery since 1956. In addition to cookies, donuts, mini pies and other yummies, they also have a wide selection of sandwiches (including vegan and vegetarian friendly), ice cream creations, coffee drinks and dog treats.
For lunch, I choose the Lox and Cream Cheese served on a housemade everything bagel with capers. The Brockway bagel has a different texture than the store-bought variety with a bit more crunch to it. It really makes the sandwich pop and everything blends together in a flavorful bouquet. Nora enjoys the Albacore, Cheddar & Tomato served on a housemade croissant. The Brockway croissant has a biscuity texture, once again complementing the package. The albacore is made old school with real mayo and no pickle — my personal preference. Both sandwiches are fresh and are accompanied by herbs grown on site. Other popular sandwiches include the Turkey, Cranberry and Cream Cheese, the Homemade Hummus Vegetarian, the English Tea Sandwich (cucumbers, cream cheese and butter on a croissant) and the Grateful Dead (cream cheese, shredded carrots, green olives and almonds on squaw bread).
As delicious as the sandwiches are, I must admit that those display cases were calling to us big time. Nora chooses a Boston Cream Donut (baked, not fried), sweet, creamy and decadent, and I cannot resist the mini peach pie made with fresh peaches and topped with a lovely crumble. Just for that extra something, Julie gives it a little heat giving it that just-out-of-the oven taste.
Brockway Bakery has a diverse selection of delights in a relaxed café atmosphere. Outside seating also is available during weather-friendly periods. After our meal, we take a stroll into the adjoining gallery to view Julie’s oil paintings and photography. It is clear there is more than one talent at work at this place. The bakery also boasts a spiffy variety of wedding cakes, which can be view in all their glory on the Brockway Bakery Web site.
Nora and I leave sated with a few goodies in tow including a bag of doggie treats and one of their trademark Butterfly cookies (they look as luscious as they taste). Life is good.
Brockway Bakery is at 8710 North Lake Blvd. in Kings Beach. They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (530) 546-2431. To view their menu, visit brockwaybakery.com.
