Proof Bread — Restaurant in Avondale

So I found Hope's amazing breads back at farmers market where her smile and kind spirit just let you know her bread had to be amazing. You physically could feel the love and then the taste just brought that love home with you. The first time I met Hope I truly felt I made a friend and each loaf I purchased I felt like it was from my family's kitchen just for me. In the worst of times, COVID, she wanted to help people so her and her family set up delivery so everyone was safe and still had breads. Then her sharing the spot in Litchfield to start and finding very quickly she needed the whole space because her following became a huge family. Her amazing breads, bread dipper spice, desserts, pies, oh her bruschetta. Yet I have to tell you it was always her smile and warm hug. Over the past year or year and half you could sense something. A change, you could feel the love had escaped the walls of the amazing place Hope built with her smile and love. I can't imagine how hard this has been for her nor would I ever act like I know. What I hope for Hope is good health again, happiness and to know how very loved she is by many. With that I went today to see Proof who is taking over. I won't say that I was thinking I would find my new bread place again to be honest. I will always have a soft spot for farmers market Hope's. Yet Hope for the first time ever asked her family of customers to give it a try. I walked in and felt love again. Maybe helped a little that Hope was there smiling and being so kind with her time, BUT Jon was there as well. I sampled some of his breads, I talked to him and he was so kind with his time even though running like crazy (and as tired as he looked), you felt his love. For the breads, the customers, the conversation and letting customers know he was there to take care of them. I felt like I found my bread home once again! The bread and croissants are amazing and you feel AND taste the love once again. Now I can only hope him as much success and hope that maybe just one day we will see specials from Hope still.... Just saying it couldn't get much better than that. Cooking classes, anything! We love you Hope and welcome to the West Valley Proof. So excited once...

I found this quaint little bakery in Litchfield on Instagram...although the food and bevvy were amazing, sadly, i do not think I will be a repeat customer...

... I had Venus (a 4.5 lb dog, in my arms) with me today and I stopped by to quickly grab a coffee and pastries. When I walked in, I was mindful that it was an eating establishment and I let Mary, the store worker, know that I brought Venus in because I didn't want to leave her in the truck and I wasn't going to be there long, nor would I be eating there...she said, oh that's fine, even though they don't allow pets in the establishment (mind you, no signage in the window or anywhere indicating that dogs aren't allowed). I was merely being respectful and mindful by letting her know upfront that I was bringing her in. The place is tiny, everyone and anyone can see and hear you...I say this because I placed my order and then the other worker walked over and loudly asked me if Venus was a service dog or support animal and I said, no, however, I've already let Mary know and the other worker proceeded to tell me that animals were not allowed in the business and that their boss was very strict about that, even though there was no signage. Let me tell you, I felt completely embarrassed in front of all of the customers, that I literally wanted to cancel my order. I didn't. I paid and when the system asked me to enter my phone number for points, I told Mary, I probably don't need that as I may not come back to support the business, that I was not a fan of public embarrassment/shaming. I advised Mary that there were other tactful ways of handling that situation. The worker did not need to make a public announcement or put me in that situation. Anyhow, Mary was great...she embodied the true sense of customer service. The other worker, however, needs some coaching on how to handle situations, and the owner needs to place signage indicating that this is not a pet-friendly...

I finally stopped by! I had been looking on Google Maps for something in the area and accidentally came upon Hope's Artisan Bread bakery. I was so surprised to see that this was here in my neighborhood all along and I never knew it! It took me a while, but I finally came in. First of all the customer service was phenomenal. I was greeted by a young lady that was very friendly and helpful. She showed me the the different types of bread and other goodies. I ended up purchasing a loaf of sourdough bread along with a slice (which is very large) of coffee cake. I also decided to get some coffee. While the young lady was preparing my drink, another lady was ringing me up. I then asked her some questions about what ingredients are used and how they prepare the sourdough and she was very helpful and explained it all. I love the process they use along with the type of ingredients used to prepare the bread. After speaking with her for a few minutes, she introduced herself as Hope, the owner. It was so nice to come in, meet the owner and receive such friendly helpful service!

Now the bread was absolutely fresh and delicious! This is the way sourdough is supposed to taste! The coffee cake was so yummy but I could not finish the whole slice. I put it to the side to have later that evening or the next morning. When my daughter came home she took it upon herself to finish it because she said it looked so enticing! She enjoyed it and immediately said this can't be from a supermarket. If you would like to have some fresh, amazing bread, delectable pastries and awesome service, stop...