Carbohydrates are a mix of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. How these three elements, so integral to human life, have become demonized in the last few years is a mystery. But no more. Its time to eschew low-carb and no-carb diets. Put away your paleo cookbooks. Forget about fake sugar. Embrace the carbohydrate and celebrate these local bakeries that make the simple carb taste so good.
By Greg Elwell Photos Garett Fisbeck
Backyard Bounty Bakery
1235 SW Second St
405-397-5388
Perfection cannot be rushed, says the website for Backyard Bounty Bakery. But those hungry for a great New York-style bagel better rush to order the day before, because the only way to guarantee delivery is to plan ahead. Backyard Bountys bagels are the result of a two-day process, including a 24-hour proofing period to ensure greatness. The bagels are boiled before theyre baked, giving each one that signature crust and chewy interior.
Big Sky Bread Company
6606 N. Western Ave.
405-879-0330
Big Sky Bread is full of big flavors for bread lovers. Does it have to be spelled out? This company is not some challah-back girl. Even if someone is light oat cracked in the head, they need to do whats rye and recognize this local bakery is turning out some of the best bread in the metro. From spicy jalapeño cornbread loaves to the chewy, nutty pleasures of Mountain Bread, theres always a good reason to roll into Big Sky.
Browns Bakery
1100 N. Walker Ave.
405-232-0363
After talking it over with the dentist and looking at the X-rays, the problem is clear: Instead of one sweet tooth, youre plagued with an entire mouthful of sweet teeth. Theres not a cure, per se, but heres some advice: Go to Browns Bakery. Each day, the dedicated staff at Browns makes mountains of doughnuts, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies and Danishes. And if you happen to have a savory tooth in there, the sausage rolls are tasty, too.
Crimson & Whipped Cream
331 White St., Norman
405-307-8990
It doesnt matter if they Boomer sooner or later; customers will always find time for the delectable desserts at Crimson & Whipped Cream. The baking schedule at this gourmet treat emporium changes daily, so make sure its the right day to find a coconut cupcake or oatmeal cream pie before heading in. But if a fresh cookie isnt enough to power you through your schedule, Crimson & Whipped Cream also has a pretty tasty coffee bar.
La Oaxaqueña Bakery
741 SW 29th St.
405-635-0442
Pan dulce literally means sweet bread, and its a daily delicacy in Mexico. Though it might not be quite as sticky sweet as some baked goods in the U.S., pan dulce at La Oaxaqueña Bakery in Oklahoma City is irresistible. Choose from shell-shaped conchas, little pigs called cochinitos and orejas that look like ears, but definitely save room for a churro. Or stray to the restaurant side of La Oaxaqueña and eat one of the best tacos in town.
Prairie Thunder Baking Company
1114 N. Classen Drive
405-602-2922
Is that thunder rumbling across the dusty Oklahoma plains? Could a storm finally be on the way to quench the states drought? No, its just the sound of hungry stomachs stampeding toward Prairie Thunder in Midtown for one of the bakerys signature breads. Always changing, but always delicious, its boules, baguettes and loaves are the result of bakers who start early to make OKCs doughy dreams come true.
Quoc Bao Bakery
2501 N. Classen Blvd.
405-760-6322
Man cannot live by bread alone people wont put up with a bread-only diet for long. But man can absolutely live by Quoc Bao Bakery alone, or even with a roommate. Quoc Bao can handle any meal. Fresh, hot doughnuts and muffins for breakfast, followed by delightful banh mi sandwiches for lunch (Buy three, get one free!) and crisp, delicate fried eggrolls for dinner. And anyone with an extra banh mi wont be alone for long.