Delectable Delights

Have you ever been proud of yourself for stumbling upon a hidden treasure with no outside help from anyone or anything (even the mighty internet)? That is what I felt when I found this hidden gem on one of my lonely excursions around Birmingham, and when I found it, I had to tell my friends about it. Since that time, it has become a little hotspot for some of us physicists who need a breakaway from the everyday commonalities of work. It is found in a unique area of Birmingham, tucked away among buildings that have either been closed down or await renovation. It sits on the outskirts of the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, and forever will remain one of my little favorite off-campus getaways.

Birmingham Breadworks – Birmingham, AL

Logo from bakery website 

On the side of this antique building is painted a bright view of Birmingham at sunset, a picture depicting such pride and loyalty for the great city. As you walk inside, you see a conglomeration of random couches, chairs, and tables assembled throughout the wide, open room. Empty cement factory-like walls with dents punctured in the surface give no memorable impression. But the smell, my friends! And the delectable sights! Fresh loaves of French, sourdough, farm, rye, pumpernickel, multigrain, garlic, and olive varieties line the side wall. An assortment of pastries whisper temptingly from the front display. Fortunately, the bakery also serves a temporary lunch between the hours of 11 am – 2 pm every weekday with specials for each day including soups, salads, slices of pizza, and sandwiches featuring their freshly baked bread.

When my friend Tracy and I pulled up to the bakery, he looked over at me to ask how long we were staying to determine how many coins to put in the sidewalk meter. Giving a quick side glance, I told him not only was I there to buy a loaf of bread, but we had to stay that day for pastries and coffee. No debating about this. If I have learned anything from Tracy in my time knowing him at UAB, it is that time to relax must be had if one is to succeed in this field with a sane state of mind.

Tracy ordered the cream cheese and pear preserves danish while I ordered the Nutella danish along with a single shot of espresso. Convinced by sampling both of the sweets, I predicted that every single pastry sold would be equally as delightful. It cannot be overemphasized how special this place is. During our visit, Tracy got a call from his girlfriend Sam, who proceeded to express her disappointment that she could not be there (for the location too has become one of her favorites), and Tracy, with a twist of his lips and a gleam in his eye, refused to reveal his little surprise for her that awaited in a brown paper bag.

Amidst talking about physics excitements and frustrations, we also discussed the future potential of this little bakery – how nice it would be for them to create an outdoor patio, how the empty back room could be used for counter space. This location is fairly new in that it got started in 2014, and a lot of their publicity I am sure comes from their appearance at local farmer’s markets. However, I have hopes for so much more, and I eagerly await the growth of what I believe to be Birmingham’s best source of baked goods. Any visitor passing through the area has not experienced the fullness of this city’s gift without dropping by Birmingham Breadworks.