Bites Nearby: Putting the Aah! in Focaccia

Sometimes there are places I just have to keep talking … well OK, raving about. The is one of those places -- only this time, I am here to talk about their fresh baked breads, including one fantastic focaccia.

Located at 212 Washington Ave., the Orting Bakery is quite quaint and looks like it was plucked out of a "Little House on the Prairie" set. The delicious smells coming out of this bakery could also be just like the ones of the artisans in that era. I have to say, I wish I had one of those cute little prairie aprons and a flowered poplin bonnet on so I could stuff the pockets full of all the amazing goods this place has to offer. 

There were a couple of types of focaccia to choose from and for those of you not familiar with the term, it is a flat oven-baked Italian bread topped with fresh herbs, seasonings or other savory picks. The one that lured me in was the roasted red pepper and mushroom topped with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. 

This focaccia absolutely glowed with flavor and was even better heated at home with some fresh asiago cheese and basil leaves. (Not that it even needed that but I am kind of an extremist with food.) The bread was amazingly fresh and light and I find that it is an excellent substitute for pizza. Even better than the taste was the price -- a mere $4.50. 

And then there is the bread selection: sourdough, wheat and marbled rye, oh my! I have to admit that one of my all-time favorite bakeries is the Three Girls Bakery in Seattle at Pike Place Market and now I can add the Orting Bakery as my other. Nothing comes close to the flavor and aroma of fresh-baked breads and the fact that each day features something different is definitely something worth waiting for. 

There are no gluten-free selections here but that’s really not a problem. This specialty type of baking can be found at different bakeries around the Sound like the fabulous Granny Lala’s.  Information can be found at www.grannylala.com.

 Information with regard to my newest BFF can be found on Facebook under Orting Bakery. Check it out — I’ll bet you one large crunchy baguette and raise you five cupcakes you will love what you see.