Ken’s Artisan Bakery
I spend a lot of time fantasizing about what it would be like to live in Paris, but when my cup of Stumptown coffee, the Sunday NY Times and I claim a seat at Ken’s big wood communal table and I tear a smoldering pain du chocolat from limb to limb, watching the warm chocolate ooze out from between the buttery fluttery layers of pastry, I’m thinking there’s no place like Portland.
Even if I had the chance to move to Paris, how could I ever leave Ken’s?!
High ceilings, rustic hardwood floors and spotless walls of windows give Ken’s an airy cheery feeling even on the most dismal of days. It’s hard to concentrate on the newspaper when the lazy rivulets of rain on the glass remind me of the shiny sugar icing on Ken’s sweet sandy nutty hazelnut cake, and I find myself daydreaming about the jambon sandwiches–with their shards of dry smoky ham and thick shavings of gruyere cradled in a butter-lined slab of crusty fresh baked ficelle.
I tuck into my lemon meringue tartlet last, gently plucking off each golden meringue tip before biting through the thin butter crust into the sweetly tart and impossibly silky lemon cream. Before heading home, I’m sure to order a half dozen dusty pink rosewater macaroons, a slice of pear frangipane tart, and a fresh loaf of walnut bread to go.
On Monday nights, Ken’s keeps the ovens on late, turning out delicious thin crust pizzas for an appreciative crowd. Go early or be prepared to wait a while. Sacre bleu! Even if I had the chance to move to Paris, how could I ever leave Ken’s?!
Details
Cuisine: Bakery
Owner: Ken Forkish
Atmosphere: Light, airy, cheery, bustling neighborhood bakery
Outdoor seating: Yes, a few sidewalk tables outside along NW 21st and NW Flanders
Best Seat: Depends on your mood. An intimate conversation with a friend/lover—grab the two-top in the far NW corner by the window. Feeling social—take a spot at the communal table. Beautiful day? Grab a seat outside, or next to the open window.
Noise Level: Energetic, but conversation can largely be conducted in a normal tone
Dress Code: Casual
Bring the Kids: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes, they are shared with the entire building so you must get a key and ask to be buzzed in, then walk around the counter and out the back, and through the door to the right.
Parking: Free but hard to find on surrounding side streets, either get lucky or be prepared to drive around a bit
Beer: Yes, served in the afternoon and on Monday pizza night.
Wine: Yes, served in the afternoon and on Monday pizza night.
Corkage: $15 per 750 mL
Coffee: Stumptown
Tea: Tao of Tea
Ideal Meal: For breakfast, a chocolate croissant and a Stumptown cappuccino. For lunch, a jambon sandwich, salad, and a cup of one of Ken’s delicious soups. For pizza night, a spicy soppressata pizza and a Caesar salad.
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Good for the following occasions: Dining Solo, Kids Included, Out With Friends
Reservations: No
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Wi-Fi: No, but you can usually pick up a nearby signal
Deals: It has been my experience that if you pop into Ken’s near closing time, you can often get a free loaf of bread with your purchase. Also, on pizza night, don’t forget to ask for your free loaf of that day’s leftover bread with your check, they will let you pick any loaf!