Baked goods generally round up thoughts of coziness and warmth. At least in my book. The weather in the pacific northwest is perfect for inducing bouts of fresh loaves of bread, delectable crumb cakes, and warm cookies from my (and many others) kitchen. Today I went to Little T’s American Bakery. After hearing so much about it, I needed to see it for myself and give it a good taste-run (naturally!).

My first impression when I walked in the door was mixed. I was standing amidst a stream-lined, glass, stainless steal, and wood interior with ninety degree angles everywhere and as a friend put it “it is not safe for your babies.” I was a bit confused, have I just stepped into an architects wet dream? Maybe a new loft office space for Wieden and Kennedy? Or…wait…there are scones behind that glass… yes, I must be in the right place.

I decided to try the Baked Current Doughnut and the “Continental” with jam and fresh butter. Upon my first bite, all mixed feelings immediately flew out the door. My eyes widened as the taste of the current doughnut brought nothing but sweet goodness to my lips. Its texture was like a dense cloud, just chewy enough to melt on your palate exactly as the baker intended. The powdered sugar was an excellent touch, keeping the flavor of the doughnut itself preserved, not over sweetened. The baguette in the “Continental” was another nice surprise. It has a wonderful crunch to the outside with a very chewy and aromatic flavor on the inside…just as a good baguette should be. I enjoyed the simplicity of it. A true test of a good bread is, can you eat it alone and be satisfied with just it’s taste and just it’s texture? Does the crust slightly crumble when you break it? Does the center tear apart rather than break apart? Is there an elasticity to the inside? What color is it? Is it sweet? Salty? How would it taste with…? This baguette I could most certainly eat alone and enjoy it’s fully bodied flavor. The jam and butter were just little bonuses.

So is Little T’s American Bakery the way of the New American Bakery? Over designed, super sleek, catering to a clientel that has all but forgotten how to turn on their ovens? Wherever the direction of the movement in American Baking may be heading, Little T’s certainly has done it’s craft right; it’s baked goods are IN-CREDIBLE.