Locals Can't Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Tiny Family-Run Bakery In Washington
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published August 10, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
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Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
If you’re driving along U.S. Route 2, pull off at Anjou Bakery Cafe for some of the best pastries in Cashmere, Washington. This incredible bakery is nestled among Cashmere’s iconic pear orchards. The bucolic landscape inspired owners Kevin and Heather Knight to name their bakery after a local pear variety, the anjou. With some elbow grease and the help of friends and family, the Knights transformed an aging fruit warehouse into a place of worship for butter, flour, and Washington’s best ingredients. Their efforts have paid off. Magazines like Sunset, Bon Appétit, Seattle Magazine, and others have all highlighted this remarkable small business.
Anjou Bakery Cafe is easily accessible from the highway and the drive is less than 20 minutes from nearby Leavenworth, Washington. It's worth noting that this delicious spot only opens its doors on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In my own excitement to eat there, I've disappointed myself a couple of times by failing to remember their limited hours.
You'll be rewarded handsomely for planning ahead. While diners congregate indoors when there's snow out, on snow-free days the outdoor patio is the place to be! Sun shades, beautiful landscaping, and gorgeous views will make it difficult to leave.
Inside the atmosphere is rustic with quirky touches. The last time I was there, they had dedicated a wall to hand-painted, antique portraits. Locals often sit in groups at the large tables and the ambiance is lively and warm.
If it hasn't already sold out, the artisanal bread is worth buying even if you're only stopping through. It's so good you'll be eating it with your hands! The other offerings manage to be somehow just as delicious. Anjou has both savory and sweet options meaning all visitors will leave satisfied!
My personal recommendation is to try one of their sandwiches. Served on Anjou's own sliced baguettes, they're great heated up or packed away to enjoy on a nearby hike. But beware! Their simple ham option will ruin you for all other sandwiches.
Speaking of hikes nearby, Anjou Bakery Cafe happens to be located in one of the most beautiful areas of Washington, and that's saying a lot. The Wenatchee River Valley is a hiker's dream, combining stunning alpine views with rolling fruit orchards.
Adventurers on foot and experienced climbers should check out nearby Peshastin Pinnacles State Park. The recreation area hosts 200-foot sandstone spires with many routes that local climbers rave about. Hikers can also scale the towers by taking one of several trails. The reward for your pains will be a stunning view of the valley, and (if you've planned well) a baked good from Anjou.
Whether you’re staying overnight at a local bed and breakfast, or traveling through, be sure to stop by Anjou Bakery Cafe. This delightful place is serving the best pastries in Cashmere, Washington, and possibly for miles around!
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