Competent pastries from this stand at the Farmer’s Market

I woke up very early Saturday morning so by the time mid-morning came about, I was actually hungry enough for a bite. So I talked my husband into going to the farmer’s market for some fresh orange juice and something to eat.

There aren’t too many food choices at the Bayfair farmer’s market – dumplings, felafel and a couple of bakery stands – so Mike went for the obvious and got me a couple of pastries from Alonso Baking and Foods, a Hayward based bakery.

Overall, I liked the blueberry strudel, once I heated it up. Even before I appreciated the crystalized sugar on the pastry, which gave it texture in addition to sweetness. But the blueberry compote/jam was just OK – too sweet and one note. I’m not sure that it could be any better in a baked good, however. I enjoyed it, but I’m not sure I’d get it again.

The cream cheese danish reminded me in taste and appearance of a cinnamon roll, though it didn’t have the heavy cinnamon flavor. The pastry has that rustic texture, somewhat on the dry side, that so many artisan bakeries seem to favor nowadays. I actually prefer them softer and chewier, but they do get better with heating. The flavor, however, was on point. The thick, dry sugar glace was delicious and the cream cheese was just heavenly. It tasted farm made. I’d definitely want it again.

Both pastries were $5 each and they were huge, large enough to share – one would be way too much for one person.

Alonso Baking and Foods
San Leandro Farmers’ Market at Bayfair Center
Bayfair Center Parking Lot by Khol’s San Leandro, CA
Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

San Leandro Restaurant Reviews