One of the great developments of 2019 on the New Orleans dining scene is the extra opportunities for really great baked goods. We were in the neighborhood of Levee Baking Co. the other day and dropped in for a look. This is in the cute-but-invisible location on the side street between Rum House and that bank in the turquoise-trimmed building on the little island Uptown off Magazine at 9th. It’s the same location that doomed the bagel company before it that was excellent. Art’s Bagels.
In other words, not easy to find, but finding it they are. Because the baked goods at Levee Baking Co. are worth every effort to find them. This is baking bliss. Confection perfection. One might assume from its name a Katrina reference to the levees, but the name is actually french for rising: lever. Arising. So the double entendre works too, but nothing naughty here. Just marvelous, ethereal iterations of butter and flour. These baked goods make me forget feeling like a foreigner right here in New Orleans. Part of that other world I wrote about the other day. But at least everyone here knows what tastes good. And this tastes great. So flaky! Buttery. Stretchy excellent texture.
I don’t know what it is about bakeries where the items in the case look appealing, but I get carried away. And I got carried away. We went for a snack and bought three bags of things. A grilled onion Focaccia even though Tom was not there to say “God Bless You.” Croissants, and more croissants. There is one that I didn’t get but got another time with a homemade mustard and Farmer’s cheese that is extraordinary. I tried to just get one thing, and that thing was a mushroom tart. So good, but we also got a biscuit and a rosemary scone.
I have actually thought about Levee Baking Co. a little too much since my last visit. I arrange scenarios where I can “swing by” to get something. I usually can't but that still says a lot.
Levee Baking Co.
3138 Magazine (but not really-go down 9th St)
504-354-8708
Wed-Sun 8:30am-3pm
leveebakingco.com
