So far, this year, I am going Mariah-mode and choosing not to recognize time. I mean, January was 14 years long, and now it’s March. What is happening? As such, I did not plan a pop-up this month.

In general, I’m doing fewer pop- ups this year. Which means I am more reliant on special orders. So, thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone placing special orders and keeping that side of the business afloat.

In fact, I’ve got a special order opportunity right now. I’m offering my favorite St. Paddy’s Day bake: Queen Nigella Lawson’s Chocolate Guinness Cake. I make this cake every year because, well, it’s the best. The Guinness adds a roasty depth and slight bitterness to the deep, dark, chocolate cake. It even looks like a pint, with a float of delicious cream cheese frosting on top. 

I also tell this joke every year 🙄: Yes, I know Tremonte’s is an Italian bakery. But on St Patrick’s Day, we’re all a little Irish, right?! Actually, I did 23 and Me and found out I’m more than a little…

So, get on those cake orders. Pick up appointments are available this weekend, Sat-Mon, March 15-17. And, as always, if you need cookies for your March events, or just need cookies, hit me up!!

What else is going on with the biz?

Last month I had a lovely time popping up at Fruit Wine Co. for Valentine’s Day. Thank you to everyone who braved the snow flurries and rush hour traffic to come see me in Bellevue. 

I love hanging out at Fruit Wine Co., and I picked up some fantastic bottles while I was there. We served the wine at a family party and everyone was commenting about how good it was. So, if you’re on the Eastside, or even if you’re not, make the journey over to Fruit Wine Co. for their excellent selection!

I usually spend most of my working hours on cookies and a little on cake. Lately, though, I’ve been ensconced in a bread odyssey, working to improve my Colomba Pasquale recipe. It’s become a full-on vision quest. I’m aiming to document the journey right here on the blog, so stay tuned.

I’ll be dropping all the deets on my spring specials and events here too. Including my Easter weekend pop-up at Cafe Lago. This was such a magical experience last year. I cannot wait to repeat it!

March Recs

I’ve been told by my Instagram followers that they’re loving the recommendations I make on my stories. If I visit a small, local food business I really love, I’ll post a pic and tag them. Since I know some of you don’t have social media (I get it! I kinda built my biz on instagram, yet strive to be less reliant on it…), I’m aiming to shout out a few of my favorite small businesses on the blog monthly. Writing about them here gives me more space to tell you what I love about them. So here we go for March:

Ta Joia, Bothell

I recently found myself near Bothell and hungry. So, I popped into Ta Joia. The chef-owner had previously operated a teriyaki shop. When they moved to their current location, they incorporated her Brazilian heritage into the menu. I was excited to see feijoada, but was waffling between that and a couple other items. The server firmly suggested I go with the feijoada, and make it a bowl with the addition of spicy chicken. She also recommended I get the Brazilian soda, Guarana, to “complete the experience.” I love an assertive rec from behind the counter. My meal was a delight! If you’re in Bothell, check them out, and get the feijoada.

Fat’s Chicken and Waffles, Central District

Fat’s is, by far, our family’s most-visited restaurant. Proprietors Erika and Erika (yes, a couple, both named Erika), are the most hospitable people you will meet. When they see us coming, they set the table for us with Shirley Temple’s for the kids and put their orders in – red beans and rice for Phoebe, chicken tenders and a waffle for Max. I usually like to get fried chicken legs, cheesy grits and collard greens. My favorite thing to do is dip a big forkful of grits into the smoky potlikker in the greens. Fat’s can get super busy at brunch, with Gen Z’s lining up around the block to get in. So, our move is to go at dinner time, thus avoiding the crowds, and getting more time to chat with the Erika’s. By the way, one half of the couple, Erika White, happens to be Seattle hip-hop royalty. And both Erika’s, as well as their friends, can be found on the ones and twos at the restaurant, from time to time.

Baked From the Hart, Rainier Valley

You know I love to bake. But, pie… is not my ministry. So, thank goodness for Baked From the Hart. Located in an unassuming house across Rainier from Franklin, owner, Bill Hart specializes in hard-to-find specialties like Sweet Potato, Sweet Bean and Chess Pies. Last time we visited, the sweet bean pies had just come out of the oven. They filled the shop with their delicious aroma. So, we got a large one. The custardy filling contrasted with the crispy, caramelized top and flaky crust. It was unique and delicious. Pi(e) Day is coming right up, and a perfect opportunity to check out Baked From the Hart.

Let me know if you check out any of my recommended spots and how you like them! And I’ll see you back here soon (if I don’t see you sooner for a special order pick up 😉) for all the deets on my bread journey and my spring specials and happenings.