Do you ever find in life that it’s sometimes hard to pinpoint the exact moment something or someone entered your life and changed it for the better? And yet, you can’t imagine your life without it?
For me, Bourke Street Bakery is that place.
I think I first discovered Bourke St. Bakery , in Sydney Australia, as I was furiously researching breadmaking online last year. Somehow I came across this bakery and, more importantly their cookbook.
It’s beautifully designed, filled with tempting Australian-style bakery treats–anything Australian will always get bonus points in my book–and contains simple instructions so you too can create your very own Bourke St. Bakery treats at home.
Since I bought the book last year, I have made their banana cake with hot caramel sauce (!), flourless chocolate cake (!!) and even attempted their fresh croissants (!!!) I knew from the distance my eyes travelled back in my head that this book, and the bakery it was inspired by, was a must see.
Silly me. On a recent weekend trip to Sydney, rather than thinking about a bakery visit, I was overwhelmed by the chance to re-visit the breathtaking harbour, the azure beaches, and Bondi Junction shops. But fate had other plans.
The place we were staying at, booked by a friend, just happened to be moments away from Bourke Street, and so too, the bakery!
On that fateful Saturday morning, I remember approaching the bakery and tentatively opening the door through the throng of patrons squished inside, blocking my view of the treats peeking through the front window. I remember entering the bustling, pillbox-sized space and trying my best to keep my wits about me, trying not to lose my breath.
The energy inside was both frenetic and calm, with the team behind the counter confidently feeding patrons with a smile, and visitors happy to wait in close proximity to other hungry bakery goers, for their special taste of Bourke Street.
My experience inside was fleeting, surreal, like that moment of spinning stars and weightlessness, right before losing consciousness. I vaguely pointed to some tarts in the display case, ones I had poured over a million times in the cookbook, recognizing them instantly. They were as beautiful in person as they were in the glossy pages of Bourke St. Bakery’s tome. No special photographic tricks. These tarts were the real deal.
With my change in hand and a silly smile on my face, I tumbled out of the bôite with a bag of pastries and a serious buzz. The whole experience felt like it was over before it even began, a sure sign that a return visit is in order.
I carried my sweet tarts around the city all morning, waiting for the perfect moment to indulge. Once I made it to the Opera House, I couldn’t hold out any longer.
Thank you, Bourke St. Bakery, for filling my kitchen with delicious smells, quenching my thirst for all things Australian during cold Canadian winters, and then treating me to a great in-person experience. I promise to visit again soon, again and again.
Comments (13)
My mouth was salivating throughout this whole post! Visiting the space that you’ve only read about, and finally embracing the sounds and smells … how perfect! And better yet that it met and exceeded your expectations.
Thanks Elisse. Have you ever been to Sydney? If you go, definitely check out the bakery.
Hey Mel,
No I haven’t been to Bourke Street Bakery, but after reading your post I feel like I have!!
Thanks Marilyn. Maybe you can visit next time you come to Oz! I’ll meet you there:)
I have not been to the bakery, but I sure will visit the next time I’m there. These pictures make me crave these things! You look adorable and happy in them too 🙂
I MUST have this cookbook! Your baking love has transferred over to me now, I’m on a mission to learn everything. I owe you hugs for that Melanie, because I’m happier than I’ve been in the kitchen in a long time! Thank you.
Sarah, that is the nicest thing anyone could ever say to me. Thank you! You are always a constant source of inspiration to me, so I am glad I can return the favour. Please let me know the second you get this book (I ordered from Amazon, and how fun to receive it in the mail!). From the pictures alone, you will die. But the info! So great.
Sadly, Amazon is “temporarily out of stock,” but when it comes back it’s mine 🙂 Thanks for this tip!
You never lead me astray…..the Donna Hay cookbook you inspired me to get gets a lot of use!
That’s wonderful! I should really be getting a cut from Donna, dontcha think? 😉
Love finding a book and then visiting it in real life! It’s all about the quest, right? Makes the experience that much richer! So glad you are loving Oz. You’re making me want to go to Melbourne!
Nat, you would not be disappointed. There is a reason it’s been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities many times in a row. Maybe I can be your tour guide, all things going well:)
To the quest!
Oh such a great find! I’m on a similar quest – I want to taste the Pizzeria in Naples that I read about in Eat Pray Love! I love discovering places in real life that I just read about in a good book!
Oh Cristina, that sounds amazing! I would love to read about THAT! And of course, taste that pizza pie! Heaven!
I’m loving these types of posts, Melanie. I’ve said it before I’m sure, but you are so skilled at transporting your reader and taking us along with you on these jaunts to bakeries and restaurants on your travels. You look like you were having such a great time!
Now, I’ve got to read up on this bakery and pop over to Amazon to find their book. 🙂