AUGUST 2017 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM 33 markets and locations. The Rubicon Bakers website includes an interactive map showing locations where their products are typically sold. Seeking additional samples for the review, I was fortunate to find a beautiful display of Rubicon baked goods at a local Whole Foods Market. It was difficult to choose from the array of products and flavors available, but ultimately, I chose the following items: Triple Lemon and Strawberries and Cream cupcakes; an 8-inch Double Chocolate Cake; and Chocolate Streusel Muffins. Needless to say, my family and I had plenty of sweets to keep us satisfied for a while—but not as long as I expected! That’s because every single item we ate that was produced by Rubicon Bakers was pure indulgence! So, our supply of “samples” were eaten up very quickly! My guest raved about the salted caramel brownies, which she found to be moist with a rich chocolate flavor, accented by hints of sea salt bits that provided an addictive sweet/salty effect. I totally agree with her assessment, and would emphasize the addictive effect, as it’s really hard to stop eating these tasty brownies once you start! (Hint: Keep a glass of milk nearby!) We both also enjoyed the carrot cake, which was dense, yet moist, and was filled with raisins, carrots, and yummy spices. The cream cheese frosting was not overly thick or intensely sweet—basically, it was just melt-in-your mouth perfection! The items I’d purchased from Whole Foods were also absolutely delicious. My favorite was the Triple Lemon cupcakes, which had a true lemony flavor and a lemon gel-like center filling, topped with a light white frosting and a small garnish of lemon gel on top. These cupcakes were extremely moist and delicious, and reasonably priced at only $3.99 for a package of four--much more reasonably priced than custom cupcakes that cost between $3 - $5 each. In my opinion, Rubicon’s cupcakes are among the best I’ve ever eaten! The Strawberries and Cream cupcakes were my family’s favorite- -moist white cake with strawberry flavoring and a creamy white center, topped with light pink strawberry flavored frosting. The Chocolate Streusel Muffins were similar in size to the cupcakes but had a denser texture, although they too were moist and flavorful. There was no topping or glaze on the muffins, but the chocolaty swirl that ran through them gave them a rich and delicious flavor. Finally, if you are a chocolate lover, the Double Chocolate Cake is not to be bypassed! We refrigerated the cake, and when eaten cold, the cake had the consistency of a moist, chewy brownie, with a deep, rich chocolate flavor. The frosting had an equally rich, deep chocolaty decadence that was reminiscent of a thin fudge topping. It was better than excellent! I can only imagine how much more delicious this chocolate cake would be with multiple layers separated by and topped with that deep chocolate fudge-like frosting! Suffice to say, I’m a fan of Rubicon’s baked goods based on the items I’ve tried, and will be on the lookout for their products in local stores so that I can sample more items made by this local bakery. Rubicon Bakers is truly an amazing place not only for the high quality, all-natural baked goods they produce, but more importantly, for the social values they embrace. Andrew Stoloff did a wonderful thing when he bought the bakery in 2009, and the continued growth and expansion of the business has provided more second chances for individuals who express the desire to turn their lives around. In return for the opportunities provided, Rubicon Bakers gets very loyal employees and people who want to work hard. People like Fred Earl, formerly a drug user who worked odd jobs to earn enough money for his next fix, until he became involved with Rubicon Programs in 1989. Fred started working at Rubicon Bakery when it opened in 1993 and still works there today. And then there’s Sheila Young-Eberhart, whose drug habit led her to time in prison, after which she decided to turn her life around. She, too, received support through Rubicon Programs, and started working at the bakery putting labels on packaging. She quickly moved up the ladder and is now the Quality Assurance Manager for Rubicon Bakers—the first employee to move from the floor into an office job. These are just two stories of the many people who have walked through the doors of Rubicon Bakers looking for a chance, and who have emerged enriched with job skills, a life purpose, and a new start. They are contributing members of a successful and thriving business, and they are a part of the Rubicon Bakers family. I encourage you to purchase Rubicon products when you see them in your local grocers. You will not only be purchasing high quality, delicious desserts, but you will also be supporting a local enterprise with an admirable social mission that is helping members of our communities turn their lives around. Kudos to Andrew and the team for making Richmond proud! Making Black and Blue Crostata Not Open to the Public | Bakery Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (M-F) | Closed Saturday & Sunday
Contra Costa Marketplace - Aug 2017
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