Portland Shop: Ken's Artisan Bakery 🥖

Maybe not many have heard of this shop, But many baking enthusiasts have probably studied the masterpiece by its founder, Ken Forkish: Flour Water Salt Yeast. 📚 I went to try this place partly because of this "bible of bread," and partly to glimpse a potential post-tech career path from someone else's life trajectory. Ken isn't professionally trained as a chef or baker—he worked in tech, cashed in his stock options, and "retired." (So envious! 😍) This bakery, now located in Nob Hill, has had a profound influence on Portland's food scene. It sparked a trend of restaurants partnering with renowned bakeries. 🥐 The tech geek's relentless pursuit of excellence and precise control might share the same roots as the rich flavors developed through time and patience in baking. In an era where industrial processes can precisely ferment and preserve bread, handmade quality can still earn respect and love in the market. ❤️ I tried the ciabatta, brioche, chocolate croissant, apple Danish, and macarons—ranging from traditional European bread to delicate pastries, but the flavors were all just average. The pastries were even... not good. 😅 The ciabatta used sourdough fermentation—is that innovation or a questionable twist? 🤔 The Danish had too much fruit and jam, making the pastry soggy and unbalanced... The macarons had the wrong texture and structure, lacking the aroma of almond flour. Although they use entirely organic flour, the chocolate quality was pretty mediocre. Let’s call it a spiritual experience. ✨ As Ken, who retired from tech and then from the bakery in 2022, said: Don’t trade off for convenience. 🥖: Ken's Artisan Bakery 📍 Address: 338 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 🍙 Rating: Taste: 🌟🌟 Value for Money: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Ambiance & Vibe: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 #SweetsHealEverything #Bakery #DessertLover #PortlandFood #PortlandTravel