Baker & Spice

Baker & Spice Restaurant Review:

Organic, locally sourced and sustainable are not words that necessarily come to mind when dining in the desert. However, this is the concept behind Baker & Spice. Natural wood tables and chairs, terra cotta colored walls, and elegant potted orchids lining the center of the communal central table give the place a homey feel. With a glass-enclosed counter displaying the healthy salads along with fruit preserves and jams, plus cakes and sweets as far as the eye can see, the café shows off its “from scratch” fare. The à la carte menu features basic comfort food. For breakfast, consider the Shakshouka: four eggs cooked in a tangy, rich tomato salsa spiked with garlic paprika and chili and then drizzled with olive oil, to be mopped up with artisan bread. For something on the sweeter side, blueberry pancakes with whipped mascarpone and seasonal homemade fruit compote is difficult to refuse. A selection of salads changes daily, while the signature B&S burger is accompanied by chunky chips and homemade ketchup and topped with a horseradish cream. Baker & Spice does not serve alcohol, making the choice for beverages straightforward: fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, and organic teas and coffees. Desserts are worth a glance. Anything chocolate will satisfy a sweet craving sufficiently, but if the mini Mimi’s cakes or salted caramel tarts are on offer, prepare for an unexpected treat.