Bay Meadows

Have you ever discovered a hidden gem – an extraordinary restaurant or café – steps from your home and you can’t quite believe you’re so fortunate to live right nearby?

Well, the secret’s (almost) out. A critically acclaimed baker and pastry chef, whose products are available only in Alameda, are selling their exquisite French-inspired breads and pastry right here at the Farmers Market Bay Meadows!

Crispian Bakery is a collaboration between two head chefs, Beth Woulfe and Christian Fidelis de Goes, who met while working together in Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery in New York City.

Beth is the pastry chef. An alumna of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, she holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Princeton University, where her senior thesis was on the role of food in literature.

Christian is the bread baker whose goal is “to do whatever I can to make [the bread] as incredible as possible, regardless of how much work is involved.”

And work IS involved, with the pair milling their own flour on-site in their small-batch bakery. The results more than justify the labor.

Among the praise deservedly lavished upon Crispian:

• Written up by Zagat as one of 10 “must-try” spots.
• SFWeekly said Crispian is “…kneading magic into ordinary dough.”
• East Bay Express said, “Woulfe’s mouth-watering pastries and Christian Fidelis de Goes’ artisanal breads are a welcome addition…”
• KQED: “Best Croissant du jour.”

Beth took time out of her demanding baking schedule to share some thoughts with us:

Q. What do you enjoy about the Farmers Market Bay Meadows?

A. I love that we get to bring our products to San Mateo and serve people who might not be able to come to Alameda. I also love that the HOA has organized the market – to me that means that the community really wants and values it.

Q. What do you hear from farmers market customers about your products?

A. Usually our customers are looking for a treat to eat while they browse, so we always try to bring napkins with us! Some people get items to bring home for breakfast, and the bread gets consumed over the course of a few days. All of our bread makes great toast, so we hope people are enjoying it that way too.

Q. Do you purchase from the other vendors or have suggestions?

A. We always get strawberries from whoever has any left at the end of the market! I was blown away by some of the prepared food – cold Sichuan noodles, tasty Japanese tofu, and awesome hummus. Utopia peanut butter is also a great indulgence – slathering some of that on our toasted bread is a great mid-morning pick me up!

Q. 3 essential items in my Farmers Market Shopping Bag would be:

A. Summer corn while it’s the sweetest. Stone fruit for making pies. A Crispian baguette to tear into on the way home.

Join the Peninsula’s next street-front retail. Delaware Street – Bay Meadows’ welcoming social street – offers unique, neighborhood-serving retail for thousands of workers, residents and visitors. Bay Meadows’ current retail tenants are Fieldwork Brewing Company, Blue Bottle Coffee and Tin Pot Creamery, Roam Artisan Burgers and LIFT Fitness. Delaware Street was carefully designed with angled parking and large landscaped walkways to create a walkable and inviting experience that is highlighted by our large Town Square. Interested in retail leasing at Bay Meadows? Contact RetailWest to learn more >