After much anticipation, Honey & Rye Bakehouse (quietly) opened its doors for business over the past two weeks. Their cutesy, inviting sign teased sweet-toothed onlookers for what seemed like an eternity. Founders Anne Andrus and Emily Ackerman poured blood, sweat, tears, and a substantial amount of flour into transforming the old S&D Cleaners into a baked goods haven.
Let’s start with the good news first — and there’s a lot of it. The showstopper of the day belonged to the Coconut Macaroon ($2.50), with the Park Sourdough ($4) and the Baguette ($3) as very close seconds. The exterior of the macaroon was immaculate — perfectly toasted. A moist, dense coconut filling occupied the inside with a nice, subtle sweetness. It was worth every calorie. The bread was similarly elegant: texture was right on point, with crackly, crusty exteriors that weren’t tough and delicate, spongy interiors that weren’t bland.
The Ginger Cookie ($2) was also divine and possessed perfect consistency. The cream cheese frosting on the Cinnamon Roll ($3.75) was also noteworthy. While it was rich, it still showcased the subtlety in sweetness much like the macaroon. Nothing was gratuitous.
While we appreciated the authentic [pumpkin] flavor in the Iced Pumpkin Scone ($3.50), it erred on the dry side and was somewhat underwhelming. The Cranberry, Orange, and Walnut Muffin ($2.50) told a similar tale. The lack of cranberries in this particular muffin was disappointing, as well as the absence of orange zest. With that said, the amount of walnuts could’ve fed a small army. Overall, consistency was lacking throughout.
(Note: By no means are the price points outrageous; however, they are slightly higher than those of its fellow bakery not too far down the road.) Despite the influx of pastry patrons at 10am on a Saturday (and from what I gathered, it was also an unofficial lululemon convention), the line moved quickly and the service was friendly and efficient… not to mention the espresso-slinging barista took the time to make sure she pronounced my name correctly. It’s the small things. The interior was warm, cozy, and yet still modern.
If Honey & Rye’s soft opening is any indication of where it’s headed, we can expect great things — and expanding waistlines.
Honey & Rye Bakehouse
Freshly baked breads, pastries, pies and cakes in St. Louis Park
4501 Excelsior Blvd
St. Louis Park, MN
612.844.2555
HOURS:
Mon CLOSED
Tue-Fri 7am-6pm
Sat 8am-4pm
Sun 8am-3pm
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