A Bakery Returns to the Heart of Ambler!

If you, like me, have been jonesing for Alice Bakery & Confectionary’s bread and baked goodies since the close of the Ambler Farmers’ Market in October, the wait is over! Well almost over, as we still have to wait for fit out and opening day, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Alice will be opening (hopefully in March) at 95 E Butler Avenue, the former site of Caffe Maida, on the corner of Butler and N Ridge.

This will be the second location for Alice Bakery & Confectionary; owner, Dennis Darr (right), opened his first bakery in North Wales just three years ago. Darr was formally trained at the French Pastry School and has worked alongside renowned chefs, pastry and otherwise, throughout his career. His well honed skill did not remain a secret for long in the sleepy town of North Wales, as word of mouth traveled and gushing reviews abounded.

Lacking a savory baker in town, we were very fortunate to have ABC join the Ambler Farmers’ Market for the opening season in 2013, and again this past year. What a treat Alice proved to be, a huge anchor for the market and undoubtedly, one of the biggest draws. If you’ve shopped the famers’ market, then likely, you’ve met Dennis. He is the friendly, tall, bald guy who has been up hours before the crack of dawn shaping, proofing and baking your the bread. Of course, bread is not all ABC has to offer, in addition to amazing breads you will find assorted pastries (scones, muffins, croissants, danishes, sticky buns), cupcakes, cookies and the like. If you only know ABC from the market, then you may not realize that it is also a fabulous lunch spot. Think charming french cafe offering delicious homemade soups, wonderful salads and sandwiches, quiche of the day (typically two varieties), and more. I’m totally addicted to their portobello mushroom soup (accompanied by a perfect French baguette, of course) as well as their chicken salad (loads of fresh dill, MMMM!). If you’re smart, you’ll save room for something sweet after lunch, my favorite is the pineapple upside down cupcake, or as I call it, party in your mouth. Last, but not least, Darr is also a chocolatier, he creates beautiful and decadent chocolates, and they offer custom cakes, as well.

Alice will open early in the morning, serve lunch from 10:30-2:30pm and close @ 6pm. Eventually (hopefully by Spring), they will extend their hours and stay open late to accommodate the after theater and dinner crowds. It has been said that a bakery is the heart of a town, and I believe that having this keystone in place will be an important part of Ambler’s continued growth. ABC will be a wonderful addition to our town and I can’t wait for opening day!

Be sure to like their facebook page for updates.