Raab’s the Baker
Date of Last Visit: Saturday May 16th, 2009
The Victim: Me
The Damage: Not much
The Background: I've lived in Islington for more than four years now. And every so often, I still discover something new. Like the other day, when I got on the bus that just happened to go up the Essex Road. And I saw a few people queued up outside a shop. And I looked closely (or as closely as one can from the upper deck) and saw that it was a bakery. In Islington. That I had never seen before.
The Entrance: So I stopped there on my way back home from Dalston. And it was crowded. I had to queue. What I liked about it was that it seemed like everyone knew each other, and all the neighborhood kids must have worked there. To be honest, the donuts all looked a little sad. They could maybe work on their presentation. But in bakeries, as in all things, there is willingness and there is ability. And Raab's has a lot of willingness.
My Order: I honestly had no idea what to order. But I felt like I had to be quick about it. So an apricot and walnut loaf it was. Covered in sesame seeds. Did I want that sliced? Why yes, of course I did. And a few quid later, it was all mine. And I will admit to eating more than one slice on my way home.
What I really wanted, however, was pumpernickel. This country does not do pumpernickel, does it?
The Bread: Well, I certainly went for a novelty loaf. But I'm a sucker for that stuff and I liked it. I liked it a lot. I was sad when the loaf was gone. Very sad. Not sad enough to get on the next bus to get me another, but sad enough.
The Verdict: Why do we buy mysterious bread in bags from Tesco? Why not go to Raab's?
May 28, 2009
Ha! Good question. Why do we buy mysterious bread in bags from Tesco?
I haven’t had pumpernickel since I moved to the UK either- maybe I’ll try making some?
May 28, 2009
Sure, you can get pumpernickel quite easily. Try Carmelli’s bakery in Golders Green or Daniel’s in Temple Fortune. A bit closer to home for you, you might find that Happening Bagel in Finsbury Park sells them. I’ve never been, but wouldn’t surprise me given this post http://youngandfoodish.com/?p=2092 if they did.
The other two definitely will – I think!
May 28, 2009
Anthony, you rock. I love Carmelli’s, but must have missed the pumpernickel
last time I was there. I’ve also heard that the bagels at Daniel’s are
awesome so maybe I will kill two birds with one stone this weekend.
May 28, 2009
Pleasure, but remember they’ll both be shut on Saturday for Shabbat, but will be open from early on Sunday.
May 28, 2009
Yup, I know the drill!
May 28, 2009
There is a real dearth of bakeries in London I have never worked out why. Fresh bread is so hard to beat!
May 28, 2009
Where is it?
http://www.ahacook.com
May 28, 2009
ooh bad of me. Well, it’s on the Essex Road. North of Islington Green. a
quick Google says #136. Enjoy!
May 29, 2009
I buy bread in waitrose bags, but would happily consider switching to Raabs