Rustic Sourdough Bakery Restaurant Review
At the front!
Just tucked away down 17th Avenue in southwest, Calgary is a small bake shop where they have local fresh baked goods that will make any mouth water. There isn’t a day that goes by when a person does not long for the taste of freshly baked bread especially when they start to smell it. Calgary has many bakeries but lets look at one that has been around for over 40 years. And it turns out it has been open that long for a good reason.
Sadly not too inspiring
Atmosphere
Sadly, this was not my favourite part of this place. I know the place is meant to be rustic (hence the name) but it feels a bit cold like you are not meant to stay long. It almost looks like it has not been kept up for a while so the style seems to be a bit older than it probably should. And lastly, there are no tables or chairs for anyone to sit and have a cup of tea. The lack of pizazz just does not give you that friendly vibe when you walk into a place and want to stay. It is far too minimal and definitely needs a boost in the décor department. Luckily, the service is very different.
Mouthwatering Bread!
Service
On the flip side of the atmosphere, the people working here are really good. The ladies behind the counter are warm, welcoming, and have nice smiles on their faces. They are quite patient with their customers when they are trying to decide what they want, and are willing to answer any questions for a person who wants a specialty item. They are also quick and efficient when it comes to your order. When asking for one of their pastries it only took 2 minutes to ring it up. You will not be late for any appointment or if you do have some time, the people there are always willing to have a chat.
Baking at its best
Food
Delightful! Whether your pleasure is sweet or savoury then this little spot has what you are looking for. For those of you who have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend getting their heart-shaped jam cookies. The sweetness and the tartness of the berry jam tickles your tongue while the crumbly cookie with all the crystalized sugar around the edge cleanses your palate. A perfect cookie to have for tea time. If savoury is what you are hunting for then you want their cheese croissant. It’s a light, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth like butter while the rich, creamy cheese gives you that taste of satisfaction that you are looking for. When you have a big appetite or you just want the best bread for dinner, go for their Tomato Olive Cabiatta. Substantial, playful, and absolutely wonderful is the only way to describe this bread. No matter what you get here, it is so mouth-wateringly transcendent. Don’t forget to have one of their famous lemon tarts. Sweet and sour at its best and you can get it all year long. I could eat everything in this place!
Love this Book!
Book
Sarah Beth Hurst’s best-selling book, “The Spellshop” is the perfect book to go with this bakery. This is because the bakery that is featured in this story reminds me a lot of this place and what they sell here. The bakery in the book is the center of that island not because of how lovely it is but because they have the best baked goods in all of the land. Our protagonist in the book knows this and brings in a new hope by selling her magical jams to the eatery. And if you want some magical jam treats, I have noticed that Rustic Bakery has that!
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme!
Final Thoughts/Ratings
7/10
A historical business like this needs to be experienced. Their only problem is that there is no seating and the place looks a little out-dated but that should never stop anyone from experiencing the love that they put in everything they make. So don’t miss out on this cherished neighborhood bakery and enjoy all it has to offer. Bon appetite!
Address: 1305 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0C4, Rustic Sourdough Bakery
