While the famous sourdough at Lodge Bread has been a local favorite since 2015, baker Or Amsalam is looking to a second rise. Commenting on plans to expand the original location, he offered “We are working on refreshing our customer experience at our flagship store in Culver City. Opening late [in] Spring 2025, the expanded space will feature a large pastry display, a wall of fresh-baked breads and two registers, as well as a beautiful indoor dining room.”
It might be a moment to recall that this was a business started in a carport; putting value into a small space is one of their most basic recipes.
There are also some fantastic new menu items, available right now – a spinach and feta croissant roll for those with a savory palate, and an hibiscus roll dusted with sugar for people who prefer their pastries sweet.
While the ‘spanikopita’ flavors of the spinach and cheese are both fresh and rich, the pastry that wraps around is equally inviting. Crisp on the exterior, just enough of a soft stretch-and- give on the inside. It’s a kind of classic with an inventive twist. If you crave a savory pastry, this is top notch.
The hibiscus roll, for fans of tangy sweets, blends the dark red fruit in a roll-up covered with crunchy sugar, giving both sweet and tart in every bite. The pastry here is lighter and more airy, letting the tastes blend without crowding them in. If you love hibiscus tea, you have to try this. The pucker-worthy flavor of the tropical fruit is just subdued enough by the sweetness, giving the roll a unique dark/light balance.
All the long time favorites – amazing bread, unique pizza and that gargantuan cinnamon roll – are still available, along with the unbeatable coffee that every pastry loves sitting next to.
With the ‘second rise’ coming along nicely, there are even rumors of a second location being considered. Stay turned to see what happens when the next batch gets going.
CC Foodie