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Bakery Crawl - Ward 5 Locations
The organization All Over Newton, which promotes local food establishments, has set up a "bakery crawl" today (9/29) and tomorrow (9/30) at 20 different local bakeries and cafes around Newton. You can find the full list and details on their website, and I also like many of the places on the full list, but in this newsletter I'll just note the three Ward 5 spots and details here. (All three are participating both days. Some locations elsewhere are only participating one day or the other.)
Maybe I'll see some of you at one of them today or tomorrow! I already enjoy the treats and full meals at Bettina's and Little Luke's, and I've been looking for an excuse to check out White Lion.
Bettina's Bakery - Newton Upper Falls 295 Elliot Street * Fri: 7-3; Sat: 8-3 ~ For those who love scratch-made, seasonal, freshly baked pies, Bettina’s Bakery Upper Falls is a must. Among their other diverse offerings, during the Crawl the bakery will have smaller sized apple, blueberry and pumpkin pies for sale and free samples of each. Bettina's will also offer $3 off any bakery purchases over $15 for Crawlers. Bettina's is the only eatery in Newton where German, Latino, and American tastes blend together, where customers enjoy conchas, cubanos, horchata, streuselkuchen, and schnitzel along with their turkey sandwiches and salads.
Little Luke's Cafe Newton - Upper Falls 1225 Chestnut Street * Fri: 6:30-2; Sat: 8-3 ~ During the Bakery Crawl Little Lukes is offering a 2 for 1 special on all single serve bakery items, including their scratch-made Greek baked goods like Baklava, Finikia and Kourabiedes (butter cookies tossed in powdered sugar) and over-sized muffins in flavors like pistachio, cappuccino, morning glory and pumpkin, that fly out the door. Opening a few months ago in the former location of The Depot at the corner of Chestnut and Oak Streets, Little Lukes has quickly become a popular casual breakfast and lunch spot, offering hardy breakfasts, top shelf sandwiches, and, of course, baked goods. With a few indoor tables, a large, outdoor patio with lots of umbrella’d tables, ample parking, and a prime location on the walkable greenway, it’s the perfect spot to dine, stroll, and even work in a game of bocce on the next-door public court.
White Lion Baking Company - Waban 95 Wyman St * Fri & Sat: 7:45-4 ~White Lion Baking Company in Waban has opened our eyes to just how tasty and satisfying gluten-free and grain-free baked goods can be. This scratch-made bakery is a destination for those with special diets (Celiac Disease, Food Allergies, Paleo, Keto, Dairy-free and Vegan), while its baked goods made from wholesome, minimally processed, and organic ingredients, are a hit with even the most discriminating bakery-goers. Waban is White Lion’s second location—you may have visited their other bakery in Mashpee. Owner Liz Miles, a former pastry chef at Upstairs at the Pudding and Lumiere, is eager for the community to taste White Lion’s menu, and is offering free samples to “crawlers,” on both Friday and Saturday. 10% of the bakery’s proceeds during the Crawl will be donated to the Newton Food Pantry.
Upper Falls Village Day Office Hours on Sunday
As I am every year, I will be set up with a pushcart booth at Upper Falls Village Day this Sunday, October 1, from 11 AM to 2 PM in front of the Greenway, at the end of Chestnut St.
Please come on by and say hello, and perhaps I can assist you with questions on citywide issues or neighborhood concerns.
September is Recovery Month
September is Recovery Month each year since 1989 -- but it's a year-round matter of interest for us all. On September 15, I attended the annual overdose memorial flags ceremony at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Ward 5. There were 2,357 more lives lost in Massachusetts last year. But many of the speakers and those present were people who had found their way to recovery and rebuilt their lives. The key message of the event: Hope isn't lost for those who are struggling, but silence and isolation don't work against addiction. Only community and support amongst our fellow human beings can save lives. Let's carry that into the coming 12 months.