Grand Central Baking Company

Grand Central Baking Company Restaurant Review:

From artisan breads to a flaky almond croissant, all the baked goods are prepared using quality ingredients, such as local Shepherd's Grain whole-wheat flour or other whole grains, at this first outpost of a successful Seattle/Portland operation. A remodel expanded the seating capacity, making Grand Central an enjoyable place to relax with a scone, jammer (a biscuit with a thumb-size nugget of jam), cinnamon roll, muffin or hand pie. An espresso bar offers one beverage prepared with Portland's Stumptown coffee. Bakers do a nice job with savory tarts, too, typically brimming with seasonal vegetables and local cheeses. This is also a place for lunch, whether it's grab-and-go or eaten here. Turkey is roasted on-site, corned beef is house-cured, and the kitchen churns out homemade soups. Enjoy a traditional chicken salad sandwich, or venture into such creative combos as butternut squash, cheddar and spicy mayo grilled on peasant bread. Among several "U-bake" options are refrigerated puff pastry, pie crust and pizza dough.