Mel

“Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfied of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts,” James Beard once said. So, have you ever truly considered a loaf of sourdough bread in all of its dazzling taste and virtue? This beloved slow food is the sole reason for making a takeout stop at Mels, a charming neighborhood bakery on Ludlow. Here, head baker Nora Allen is making counter service magic out of loaves, pastries, cookies and bars, hand-rolled and made with locally sourced grain. The fermentation process alone can take 24-72 hours, so be assured you’re getting something made with love and care. We’ll just add that nothing beats a classic slice served with a swoosh of cultured housemade butter (hat tip to Beard, of course).