This year marks a remarkable milestone in the culinary landscape of Los Angeles: the 35th anniversary of La Brea Bakery. Founded in 1989 by the visionary chef Nancy Silverton, La Brea Bakery has become synonymous with high-quality artisan bread, captivating bread lovers across the country. Join us as we take a delicious journey through the bakery’s rich history, craftsmanship, and commitment to creating unforgettable bread.
The Birth of a Bakery
The story of La Brea Bakery began with a simple yet powerful mission: to create the perfect bread. When the chefs at the soon-to-open Campanile restaurant found themselves unable to find bread worthy of their culinary creations, they took matters into their own hands. Their vision was to craft a loaf with a caramelized, golden crust, a soft and airy interior, and a rustic appearance. Utilizing a living sourdough starter made from organic grapes, they poured their passion and creativity into every batch.
In just five months, La Brea Bakery opened its doors right next to Campanile, offering handcrafted, artisan bread to the people of Los Angeles. It wasn’t long before word spread about this remarkable bread, and early morning lines began to form, with loaves selling out by 11 a.m. each day. The demand for La Brea’s bread was a testament to its quality and flavor.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Over the past 35 years, La Brea Bakery has achieved numerous milestones, yet one thing remains unchanged: our unwavering belief that great bread can elevate any meal or occasion. Each loaf tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication, starting with our original sourdough starter—an essential element in every bread we create; we like to call it La Brea Bakery’s DNA. As Jonathan Davis, our Culinary Innovation Lead, puts it, “It’s a living, breathing masterpiece that you have to nurture and care for.”
At La Brea Bakery, we pride ourselves on using only high-quality ingredients. Our breads are made without additives, preservatives, or dough conditioners. Each loaf begins with locally milled flour and features high-quality components like California raisins and extra virgin olive oil, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
The Art of Bread-Making
What sets La Brea Bakery apart is not just our ingredients, but also our meticulous process. From spiral mixing—mimicking the gentle hand mixing of artisan bakers—to slow proofing, our approach ensures that each loaf achieves an airy structure that is never dense. This two-stage fermentation process allows the dough to rest and rise, developing the complex flavors and textures that our breads are known for.
Finally, our hearth-style ovens bring each loaf to life. The steam creates the signature crispy, golden crust that seals in freshness and flavor. When you taste our bread, you experience a symphony of textures—from the crust to the soft, chewy interior—crafted with care and passion.
A Bread for Every Occasion
You know great artisan bread when you taste it. Whether it’s dipped in warm olive oil, toasted and topped with fresh avocado, or enveloping your favorite sandwich ingredients, La Brea Bakery bread enhances every meal. As we celebrate 35 years of baking excellence, we invite you to explore our variety of loaves, baguettes and rounds to discover how better bread truly makes every meal special.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on our journey, we remain committed to our core values of passion, quality, and craftsmanship. Each loaf we bake is a testament to our love for artisan bread-making and our dedication to elevating your dining experiences. Here’s to 35 years of La Brea Bakery and many more to come!
Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion. Find La Brea Bakery at your local in-store bakery and taste the legacy that continues to inspire bread lovers everywhere. Thank you for being part of our journey!
