Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/532845
38 | AUGUST 2015 nshoremag.com DINE photograph by Fawn DeViney BAKERY, BREAD A. & J. KING ARTISAN BAKERS The reach of this multi-award-winning bakery continues to impress—A. & J. King is now supplying bread and sourdough to Bar Boulud, the Boston outpost from Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud. Beacause they use old-school artisanal techniques and a critical eye regarding everything from the choice of mixer to the long, slow fermentation process, each loaf is a mini masterpiece, from the dense cran- berry walnut to the crisp, light, beautiful Epi. Favorites sell out quickly, so get there early if you want to score a loaf. 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com C O N S E C U T I V E W I N N E R R E A D E R S' C H O I C E A . & J . K I N G A R T I S A N B A K E R S Last summer, while standing in line at A. & J. King and studying my options in the pastry case, an older gentleman behind me initiated a conversation by saying, "There just aren't many good bakeries around anymore, not like there once were. Used to be one on every corner— Italian, French, Portuguese—good neigh- borhood pastry shops." This spurred me to ask what he had to say about the one in which we found ourselves standing. He raved. And raved. And raved some more. Soon we were talking about the merits of a good bakery. We were in full agreement that A. & J. King earns every one of those merits with its hand-forged, all natural baked goods that break the will of even the most disciplined among us. Andy and Jackie King have mas- tered the art of artisan baking. The pair believes in taking their time and follow- ing traditional techniques—an approach that has resulted in the daily making of breads so wonderfully warm, fresh, and soft they defy description; they must be experienced. Using local fruits, grains, dairy, eggs, chocolate, and produce, the bakers make baked goods in step with both the season and the community. They work with local purveyors to put their products into the hands of North Shore dwellers far and wide. "We love making great food because we love serving it to people—our heart is in our shop." (Note: To fully appreciate the Kings' philosophy, check out their book, Baking By Hand, and keep an eye out for their up- A. & J. King Artisan Bakers coming TV show, On the Rise.) 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com BBQ SCRATCH KITCHEN Starting with the best ingredients, including local meat and produce, then adding carefully made marinades, just the