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Socalthrills on Location was thrilled to participate in a sneak preview of the new Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway in downtown Santa Ana’s Artists Village. Housed in the historical Santora Building, the bakery’s 2,300 square foot space had a hip retro feel with art deco elements which harkened us back to simpler times but with a little rock & roll vibe.
We had an opportunity to catch up with culinary mastermind, Chef Rachel Klemek who was inspiring, grounded and has remained true to her roots focusing on quality, community and passion for her craft. Her inspired approach to baking sets her apart from other bakeries. Klemek, owner and chef, firmly believes honest to goodness ingredients like sugar, flour, eggs, butter (all “blackmarket” goods during WWII) is the foundation to her exceptional hand crafted baked goods.
The menu is a pleasure trip for all palates which includes family friendly favorites like mac and cheese topped with bacon soaked in apple vinegar – a party for the taste buds! The bakery also features a variety of other mouth-watering favorites like the “eggywich” as well as assorted bar bites, craft beers and hard cider floats. Additionally, the bakery features locally roasted Kean Coffee and espresso beverages.
And certainly, this sneak preview wouldn’t be complete without our little indulgence into the made-from-scratch “eggywich,” the meatball bite and a sampling of Blackmarket signature cookies and tarts. We would be remiss in not mentioning our personal experimenting with the hard cider floats and the decadent coffee drinks – as in the hand crafted “Nutella latte!”
And Klemek’s hand wasn’t the only one involved in the resurrection of the facility. Inspired by the buildings 1920’s architecture, her husband David, hand welded the apple tree, charmingly positioned in the bakery’s window front, exquisitely hand stained the tabletops and designed the striking wrought iron staircase which served as a backdrop and reminder to the uniqueness of the bakery and her creators.
Over the next several months, they will be expanding their menu and introducing additional hand crafted items as well as brunch on the weekends. For more information, visit http://www.blackmarketbakery.com
