Food Stuff

The trend toward artisanal European-style bread has become so strong that it can lead to a bakery blind spot. After all, there’s a reason for the expression “the greatest thing since sliced bread.” One place that does many kinds of bread right is Naroe’s Bakery. Its breads are available at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op as well as at its own store. At the retail operation, which also stocks Russian groceries, you’ll find wheaty sliced sourdough that’s great for grilled cheese, slightly sweet braided loaves (identical to challah, but not labeled) and other delights. One of my favorites is the Armenian flatbread, a big caramel-colored oval with a blistered top. Cut into squares, halved horizontally and piled with fillings (I used prosciutto, goat cheese and marinated artichokes), it makes enough sandwiches to outfit a picnic for six—and the loaf is only 75 cents. You won’t find levain for that price. 6020 Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael, (916) 485-1886.