RESTAURANT REVIEW: RARO BAKERY, DEFENCE COLONY

For the bread

  

I’m so excited about all the new stores opening up in Defence Colony Market. So far most of the recent entrants have been half baked clothing and accessory stores for women with the usual festering piles of bird cages, tropical colors and butterflies. But I continue to remain hopeful that somebody will get their act together long enough to open something sensible one day.

Keeping my fingers crossed I decided to walk into Raro, Defence Colony’s newest bakery.

Looks Like

It’s a tiny space painted an odd purple-maroon but not unattractive. One side has a fantastic collection of bread including chubby, little dinner rolls, fat slabs of olive and herb encrusted foccacia and long, elegant baguettes. The other side is a refrigerated display case with the usual collection of tarts, pastries, chocolate confections and mousses. There are a few small tables tucked into the back.  

 

Tastes Like

The Mascarpone Cherry Tart was well made with a flakey, buttery pastry crust and creamy mascarpone filling but the cherries were replaced with a cloying cherry jam which dragged the treat down. The Eclairs have their highs and lows, the outside too hard, an almost crusty exterior but generously filled with gently sweetened cream and dipped in decadent chocolate. Not really anything to write home about.

On the other hand, the baguette was a long, beautiful, exercise in yeasty flavor. Perfect for use in crostinis or just by itself with a little cheese or a hot soup.

 

Feels Like

I really appreciated that when 2 women walked in asking for gluten free crème brulee the waitress and cashier promptly admitted they didn’t know and called the chef to check. Too many places respond to customer queries with blank stares and mumbled half truths.

Raro is a tiny thing and presents no reason to skip the stalwart Defence Bakery or the functional Angels in my Kitchen. If they don’t up the ante soon I’m not sure how they’ll survive.

Should you go: No particular reason to go. No particular reason not to.

Vegetarian Options: Yes
Liquor License: No
Smoking Area: No