When I go out to eat, or buy any prepared foods for that matter, I base my purchase decision on two factors: price and my ability to replicate it at home. A small portion of seared foie gras is is infinitely more valuable than a family size portion of pasta with marinara sauce sold for the same price. All of this is based purely on the fact that it is a whole lot harder for me to make foie gras than pasta, and if it all costs the same why not do something I won’t treat myself to otherwise. Based on these two factors, I have no problem dropping a few extra bucks on fresh baked bread.
Anyone who has made bread (not in a bread maker) knows the perils of the process. There are so many things that can go wrong during the relatively long period of time between mixing, kneading, proofing, and then baking. One of the main staples of most peoples diets is a harder thing to master than we give it credit for. Luckily, there are quite a few places around Jackson doing the hard work for us to enjoy.
Dine In:
The Rose- As a kid I was always told not to fill up on bread before dinner. I sometimes still struggle with this today, especially at The Rose where Chef Rene Stein has fresh baked sourdough for nightly service. Served with homemade butter and course ground Yellowstone Natural Salt on plates Stein has made himself, it could easily be counted as a course on its own in my book.
O.S.M Bread from the Bunnery
Persephone Bakery and Picnic- You can expect most bakeries to feature their bread on their menu, but few places do such a good job of it than Persephone and Picnic. Their menus don’t just utilize their product but rather showcase it by serving up a variety of toasts at Picnic to croissant sandwiches and my favorite the Croque madame at Persephone. The bread definetly shines as the star on all their plates.
E.leaven- This full service Jackson bakery not only stocks their own shelf but many of the other fine dinning establishments around Jackson. Their full service bakery has plenty of their styles for purchase at their Center Street location.
Snake River Brewing- Have you ever heard of the expression of beer just being liquid bread? There are in fact a lot of similarities between the two, including the fact that Snake River Brewing does a good job at each. All their buns, bread, and baked desserts items are made from scratch daily, providing a perfect baked accompaniment to its liquid counterpart.
Lotus Cafe- As a restaurant you want to have complete control over your product to make sure it is up to your standards. It would make sense then that lotus chooses not only to offer their homemade foccacia, but also their housemade gluten free bread as options for their breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gone are the days of gluten free options resembling cardboard. Lotus provides a tasty option for those looking for a gluten-free bread-included meal.
The Bunnery- Jackson’s oldest bakery is one of its best. Their famous O.S.M bread, pancakes, and waffles (standing for oats, sunflower, and millet) can be found on many of their dishes served at their restaurant on Cache street as well as various other places around Jackson for sale. Check out some of their other bread styles as well as their pies and granola that come out of this Jackson classic.
Take Out:
Olive Thyme bread from 460 Bakery
460 Bread- The Driggs based bakery delivers fresh baked bread to a handful of local outlets seven days a week. However, that doesn’t mean that you will always be able to find a loaf, as they often sell out one of all of their numerous styles regularly. While the ciabbata, brioche buns and baguette are all amazing, their are few things better in this world than their olive thyme loaf. Be prepared for the possibility of eating a whole loaf in one sitting.
Wild Flower Bakery- This small Jackson bakery puts out some great product. Check out their selection at the Whole Grocer, and if they have any left grab a sleeve of their everything bagels. Generously loaded with toppings and amazingly flavorful, they are a perfect breakfast staple.
Abondance- This Teton Valley bread company shares booth space with Larks Meadow Cheese at the Jackson Hole Peoples Market and Farmers Market on the Town Square. They always stock a variety of different flavor combinations with jalapeño-cheddar and dill-cottage cheese being two of my favorites. If you prefer cheese on you bread as well as in it, they offer discount for anyone getting cheese and bread together.
Jackson Whole Grocer- If you didn’t already know, this specialty store has a very special bakery. Along with making your typical items like cakes and pastries, they also have a variety of freshly baked breads. They have some great rotating seasonal options so keep your on the bread rack for tasty options (if its available, try their homemade challah bread).
Healthy Being- If being health conscious is part of your bread buying criteria, this is the place you want to come. Their house-made sprouted (not baked) bread is full of sprouted grains and seeds. Try one of their toasts, both their sweet and savory options are great for breakfast or lunch.
E.leaven’s bakery counter
Pearl St. Bagels goodness
Pearl St. Bagels- This Jackson classic needs little introduction. Freshly baked, never toasted are a staple of many a ski bum and yellowstone tourist alike. The only recommendation I have is trying something new, after four years of getting an everything bagel, I tried their rosemary cheddar option and almost switched my daily loyalties.
