Incredible Pastries That Are Worth The Detour

While road tripping full time in my RV, I’m always on the hunt for the best bakeries. Because you can tell a lot about a town by the treats made there, right? These sweet spots in under-the-radar destinations are well worth seeking out.

This humble spot in Sedona, Ariz., often has a line that’s daunting. Just chill. Your patience will be richly rewarded. Especially if your timing delivers you to the counter in time to order a chocolate-almond croissant still warm from the oven.

I’ve eaten a whole lot of croissants over my lifetime and have never experienced the joy of the chocolate still in its slightly gooey state. Plus, the combo with the almond paste delivers a double dose of extreme yum. Take note, though, many of pastry chef/owner Javier Franco’s incredible goodies disappear long before closing, so arrive early. The whole grain loaves are also spectacular.

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These days, Truth or Consequences, N.M., is best known as the town nearest Spaceport America, Virgin Galatic’s home base.

But you don’t have to look too hard to find its funky hippie spirit, starting with a soak at the stunning Riverbend Hot Springs. That’s where we parked our motorhome one weekend recently, the resort has a few campsites with full hookups and when you pay to park there you have unlimited access to the pools on the banks of the Rio Grande River.

All that relaxing is hard work and when it’s time to find something to eat and drink, there are loads of options within walking distance. Truth or Consequences Brewing Company’s pub is always hopping, as is the nearby Giddyup Cafe. While grabbing an excellent breakfast at Full Moon Kitchen food truck, I asked owner Michell Torres if she could recommend a bakery.

She sent me to Passion Pie Cafe, where I scored the most incredible Danish ever, a flakey star-shaped pastry decorated with fiery chili peppers. That’s right. It’s New Mexico after all, where red and green chilis adorn all sorts of dishes in unexpected ways. My only regret is that I didn’t order more and save a few for down the road.

A friend living in San Luis Obispo, Calif., recommended this charming venue to me and I’m so glad I took her sage advice.

Both my friend and the owners have a New Orleans connection, with Joliene Bakery’s founder Thomas Fertel growing up in the restaurant world in the Crescent City. His mother is the late great Ruth Fertel of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse fame. Her memory lives on through the Ruth U. Fertel Foundation, which supports education in Louisiana.

On a sunny Sunday morning, the stylish bakery looked as if it were all set for a photo shoot, the warm rays lighting up the well-stocked pastry case. Fertel’s wife, Chloe, is the pastry chef and her creations are flat-out gorgeous. Bonus: They taste as good as they look.

I felt fortunate to be in the house when the special maple walnut croissants were on offer, a treat Chloe creates on occasion for her husband. It tastes a little like baklava with those rich, buttery layers. Absolutely outstanding.

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Founder Rachael Sobczak is best known for her spectacular loaves of bread made with Cairnspring Mills flours, made with Northwest grains and milled right next door.

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Yet, it’s Rachael’s cookies I crave. The thought of those ultra-chocolate-y Midnight Crackle cookies, the elevated Oatmeal Shortbread and especially the Ginger Molasses Spice gems make me feel a little homesick.

Fortunately, Water Tank’s team has put together a holiday collection that can picked up at various locations or shipped on special request. Call for info on shipping: 360-757-2253.

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