Mudears Soul Food and Bakery in Houston

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 04:28

Artisan Baker

John Akins of AYS Foods, Cafe Golo in San Francisco

Healthy Soul Choice. There is something about a brick oven which brings the nutritional value and flavor out of baked goods. John Akins of AYS Foods left a 20-year career at Marriott to create an artisan bakery 15 years ago, supplying farmers markets in San Francisco and opening Cafe Golo, 1602 Lombard St., on the approach to the Golden Gate Bridge. His designer breads include sweet potatoes, onions, olives, Italian herbs, cheese, cinnamon, raisins or apples. Don't just grab the first loaf off the shelf.

Delicacies of the Day. Denby's Sweet Sensations, 4428 Frankford Ave. in Philadelphia makes a Kahlua and Cream pound cake topped with a vanilla bean cream cheese icing.

Mudear's Soul Food and Bakery, 11637 Homestead Road in Houston, offers tea cakes and banana pudding among its baked offerings.

The Haley House Bakery Cafe, 12 Dade St. in Roxbury, MA, serves training for the recently homeless as part of its menu. Diners support transitional housing and support for the residents.

Favorite Farmer: Rashid Nuri of Truly Living Well

Cookbook of the Day: Sweets: Soul Food Desserts and Memories by Patty Pinner