Charlotte's Bakery

What's it like?

Every once in a while I have a definitive "Fresno" experience—something that just feels good, and authentic, and...well, it usually tastes good, too.

Case in point: Charlotte's Bakery. My friend Kiel took me there for lunch today as part of my buy local experiment, and introduced me to the owners.

After announcing my lunch plans on Twitter, I received recommendations for the cupcakes and for any of the bread, but we were after lunch: Kiel ordered the Mediterranean sandwich, and I had the Charlotte's club. On garlic bread, of course. I view bread merely as a vessel for delivering more flavorful ingredients, and while the garlic bread is darn tasty, I appreciate that the sandwich was piled high with meat, and lettuce, and more meat.

I also appreciate that my sandwich came without tomatoes, because they're not in season.

Prices seem fair at around $6 for a sandwich. For dessert, I tried the chocolate croissant bread pudding—yum! I think the total bill came to just under $15.

There's not much to the dining area—a couple of tables inside, next to the counter where you order—but the food obviously draws a steady crowd. I'm scheduled later in the week for a video interview/tour with the owners, and I can't wait for the excuse to go back.