It was awfully damp and cold today as I strolled through the quiet streets of post-holiday Portsmouth. Fat, wet snowflakes began to fall from cloudy skies above; it was a fitting day to reckon with the reality of winter.
Christmas is over. It’s a New Year, but by now, most of us have lost the resolve to fulfill our resolutions.
The days have grown a little longer, but spring is a long way off, and it’s easy to contract a case of the winter blues.
What to do? Eat something, you’ll feel better.
That’s the motto at Ceres Street Bakery. I went in to see what I could find for lunch.
There was a line at the counter, but a couple of tables were still open, so I grabbed a place in line to peruse the menu.
There were some interesting options for sandwiches. It was hard to choose, with selections like #2, an oven-roasted turkey sandwich with garlic aioli, provolone, romaine and tomato, or #5, marinated tofu with shredded carrots, cukes, red bell pepper, & avocado.
There were more traditional items, too, like bacon, lettuce and tomato, or a chunky peanut butter sandwich with seeded raspberry jam or marshmallow spread.
I went for #1, ham and Boursin with pickled red onions, cucumbers and romaine. I was glad I did – the Boursin went really well with the ham and toppings, and the fresh baked sourdough bread I chose was the best sourdough I’ve had in a while.
I’m no sourdough expert, but I did work in a roadhouse in Alaska where they made their own sourdough from a 100-year-old starter, something they were quite proud of. Sourdough remains popular in Alaska, a remnant of the 1890s Gold Rush.
I didn’t quite find gold at Ceres Street, but even though I’d parted with a bit of coin, my palate, at least, felt a little richer.
In addition to the sandwich, I tried an almond croissant. It was plump and covered with slivered almonds.
The pastry dough was hearty but not too chewy. It had excellent flavor. I could have done with more almond paste, but that’s just me.
The bakery also offers breakfast options, including muffins, scones, a variety of croissants, and cinnamon rolls, as well as sweet bread loaves, granola and muesli. Other offerings include egg frittatas in wraps and breakfast “sammies” (sandwiches).
The breakfast sandwiches consist of eggs or marinated tofu on toast or croissants, and you can add cheese, spinach, tomato, bacon or ham.
Ceres Street has been baking since 1980, and it’s a well-known favorite among locals and visitors. The line at the counter stayed busy throughout my meal.
They’re open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store is located at 51 Penhallow Street. Visit them online at https://ceresbakery.com/daily-specials/breakfast/ or call 436-6518.
