'ELEPHANTINE' - and zebra too!

Are you, like me, enjoying a leisurely coffee this cool, at last, Saturday morning?

I'm also munching on a slice of crusty Farmer Bread slathered with butter

and my favorite English marmalade! 

It's the weekend and I'm in 'spoil myself' mode.

Never ready to pass by an attractive bakery/coffee shop, we were thrilled 

to stumble over Elephantine tucked into a tiny alley in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

during our recent visit to New England.

Elephants are much-loved by us having been a huge part of our African safaris.

Anytime I see something elephant-related I must explore!

The story of the bakery, its owners, its name, and how it came to be, is so interesting -

read about it HERE on their website.

Above, the charming owner Nadine with the most beautiful crafted breads and pastries.

I chatted with her about the stunning decor of the retail and seating area space,

 with a few tables and chairs for enjoying a drink and pastry. Bob and I each had an

 almond croissant, the best ever!

Outside, plenty more seating in the alley is an option to relax and

enjoy people watching.

Behind the counter the beautiful black and gold wall covering depicted animals

 and trees, with geometric patterns on adjoining walls, all were amazing . . . . . with

 vintage wood, marble, and brass touches, all blended together making an elegant yet 

colorful and comfortable space. . . . . 

. . . . . and then there was the restroom! 

Zebras cavorting across brilliant red walls, so unexpected and fun.

If ever in Portsmouth, a fun, bustling seaport hugged up to the bridge crossing 

the border with Maine (another favorite state) - don't forget to turn down the

 little alley and head for the elephant sign. 

At Elephantine you will be welcomed warmly by the fragrances of 

fresh baked breads and excellent coffee. . . . . .and friendly people.

Actually, Portsmouth is a place now on that little list I keep tucked away

 in the back of my mind of places I would consider moving to!

Enjoy your weekend.

Eating at the source. . . . . . . Part II

Just have to tell you about the most fabulous 
baking company headquartered on the stunning Maine coast.

When Pigs Fly means "I doubt it's possible".

Go HERE to read, and enjoy pictures of the breads, 
and the story about former chef Ron Siegel, and his 
brother Andrew, and how this bakery grew from a tiny 
home kitchen business into what it is 
today. . . . . an awesome place making 
what has to be the most exciting array of delicious 

artisan breads I've ever seen - and tasted.

We bought a loaf of this fabulous savory bread - went 
perfectly with that Cabot cheese purchased the next 
day in Vermont.

 It was so hard to choose which breads to buy as we were 
going to be on the road for almost a week - this one above 
will be on my list next time.

But this one, oh my, after sampling - yes, you could sample 
any and all the 26 or so breads - was the most fabulous 
fruity, crusty topped bread I've yet to find anywhere.

Half this loaf remained to come home with us after spending 
as many nights in hotels as we did, and I'm finishing it up 
this morning toasted, delicious!

The SAD news, although there are six locations for When Pigs Fly

bakeries, they are all in New England. 

The GOOD news, you can buy this bread online (3 loaves minimum) 

and it will be shipped to your door. 
My tip would be forget the huge fee for overnight or 
even next day shipping, the lower priced options should be 
fine because the bread apparently has a long life.

To anyone up there in New England who enjoys this bread 
and is reading my post, perhaps you can tell us which 
are your favorite loaves. 

I'm green with envy if you are able to get to 
one of the When Pigs Fly bakeries whenever you want. . . 
and yes, I admit, I'm not only a cheese-aholic, I'm a 
bread-aholic too!

Meanwhile, I'm off to place an online order and I'll 
report back to you how well the bread ships, and tastes,
after its journey south.