More to Love at Sift

If you have yet to visit Mystic, are new to the area or have been distracted by other things you may not yet know about SIFT Bake Shop. The charming French-style bakery with a handful of seats was propelled into a national spotlight when owner, Adam Young, won the title of “Best Baker in America” on The Food Network in May 2018. Demand for more room and variety prompted a huge decision to quadruple the business. Fast forward to this month and their same location now has 100 seats including the patio and 2nd story deck along with an expanded food menu, beer, wine, and sangria. An express line for “beverages only” speeds up delivery of those essential hot and cold liquids.

Here are some tidbits from an interview with Ebbie Young who co-owns this marvelous place along with SIFT Bakery in nearby Watch Hill, RI.

What are your favorite new menu items?
“We are loving the new avocado toast, and cheese and charcuterie menu. We are looking forward to providing more savory and healthy options.”

Why the expansion?
“We wanted our guests, family, and friends to have an experience where they could enjoy their favorite pastry or coffee in a relaxing, comfortable, and casual atmosphere.”

Where will beer, wine, and sangria be served?
“For now, the main service of beer and wine is from the upstairs roof top bar but we will be adding a portable bar inside in the future. Wine and beer can be enjoyed anywhere on site.”

Does Adam personally make birthday cakes for you and Stella? Who makes Adam’s birthday cakes?
“Funny enough, I love to bake so I enjoy making Stella’s birthday cakes for now… for as long as she let me before she truly realizes what her Daddy does for a living! Pretty soon, I am sure, she’ll be requesting Dad’s treats! And Stella makes Adam’s birthday cakes, of course. They are works of art! And he actually prefers strawberry rhubarb pie for his birthday. That’s his favorite!”

Anything else you’d like to add?
“We would like to express our gratitude to the town of Mystic, and to our amazing customers. When you own a small business you put your heart and soul into it, and we’re grateful every day for the people and the community who have encouraged and supported us, and allowed us to achieve our dreams. It isn’t every day that happens and we’re lucky to be here.”

Charcuterie boards are the only food items that may be ordered on the spacious rooftop deck but food may travel indoors or outdoors with you. Choose at least two items from 3 cheeses and 2 patés which are served with baguette slices, green apple mostarda, pickles or capers, and seasonal jam on a beautiful wooded board. Mystic’s own Melinda May cow’s milk cheese and Bayley Hazen Blue from Greensboro, VT are packed with creamy flavor. Country Paté en croute impresses with a rustic cut, rich blend of chicken, pork, duck, and chicken liver. Adam makes this impressive dish and the Chicken Liver Paté himself in homage to classic French cuisine. The volume of delicious food begs to be savored and shared. Parisian foods pair well with a view of the Mystic River while noon church bells play a beautiful melody.

Avocado Toast comprises mashed avocado, hard-boiled egg wedges, pickled shallots, and feta cheese on toasted multigrain boule. The exceptional flavor and chewy texture of the bread is deeply satisfying and eggs are optional. Raspberry lemonade is icy cold and just sweet enough to be refreshing. Soft breezes and umbrellas add comfort and ambiance.

Online menus, food specials and comforts are continuously evolving as Adam, Ebbie, and staff respond to customer interests. Summer specials include lobster sandwiches and Kale & Quinoa Salad. Follow SIFT Bake Shop Mystic on Facebook & Instagram. Check out SIFTBakeShopMystic.com and stop in often for ongoing surprises and fabulous food. You don’t want to miss a thing and the spacious new seating makes a great destination or refreshment break.

Sift Bake Shop
5 Water St, Mystic
860.245.0541

Pro Tips:
Charcuterie boards are the only food that may be ordered on the upper deck where the bar is located but all food may travel with you inside, on the first floor patio, or up to the deck. The upper deck is family-friendly and a great location for taking vacation photos.

About the Author
Elizabeth Saede is a local author of Lobster Summer. She is also the author of thisismystic.com’s “On the Water” column. Elizabeth can be reached by email at Sunshine06378[at]gmail.com.