Have you ever driven two hours just for a cup of coffee because it’s worth the drive? I have. It was about that time in January when cozy winter days begin to lose their luster, and one gets the itch for adventure. Why not drive for my morning cup of coffee? I did, and I got the best damn cappuccino I have yet tasted. It tasted so good that I treated myself to a second. But that was in January, and now spring has sprung, road trips resume, and that stop for coffee is all in a day’s adventure when I roll into the town of Tomales on Highway 1.
Nested in the heart of agriculture and bordering Tomales Bay in Marin County, my day trip is just beginning when I find a parking spot across the street from Route One Bakery & Kitchen. It’s one of those places that is easy to spot for no other reason than all the cars parked nearby. In fact, other than the general store, art gallery, and historic hotel, Route One Bakery & Kitchen is just about the only business in town, and if it weren’t for the slower speed limit, you’d drive right by it in one quick blink.
But as always, Route One Bakery & Kitchen’s deep, rich blue building with gold lettering makes a mark against the almost always dark gray marine sky and ocean breeze. It’s the spot that, come summer, a light jacket on hand will still be a good idea when visiting. I breathe in deeply, the thick, humid marine air filling my lungs and moistening my skin. At the same time, I am greeted by the familiar cool, salty breeze, affirming my decision to bring my jacket as I hurry to open the bakery doors.
Inside, a line and busy hands behind the counter are a guarantee, which is just fine by me, as it gives me time to look at the cold case and refrigerator section for drinks, a variety of salads, and sandwiches for a quick grab-and-go meal. As delightful as those temptations are, my eyes caress the selection of pastries to go with my cappuccino.
And because it’s 10 am on a busy weekend and not in the slow days of January, my selection is smaller than it was in the winter months. But I have yet to be disappointed with anything I have tried before, and eagerly order the Morning Bun and Cara Cara Orange-and-Blueberry Brioche. Of course, I already ordered my anticipated cappuccino, which does not disappoint with its smooth, rich, creamy espresso, filling my mouth with bold, full flavor, balanced by the foamed milk. It’s like tasting velvet, if velvet were a drink. It is a coffee unlike any other coffee I’ve experienced before.
There is plenty of outdoor seating, a quiet escape from the indoor bluster of orders being made. It’s a perfect spot for a cup of joe or a meal for tourists coming and going.
I almost forgot my Morning Bun. First taste: flaky with every bite, despite the small twists of dough that make it equally chewy, and sweet with the generous flavor of cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top, so every bite is as sweet and tasty as the last.
Moving on, I taste the Cara Cara Orange and Blueberry Brioche, which feels like it is inspired by a homemade lemon meringue pie. The pastry is light and airy, blending the flavor of the orange custard base and topped with flavorful blueberries, where all the flavors blend together to create a symphony of sweet, tart, wow after wow after wow-punched flavor.
And don’t worry if you arrive late or deliberately plan for the lunch hour, as Route One Bakery & Kitchen will continue to pull out all the stops for, as they say, pizza and more pizza, homemade sourdough breads, pasta, and fresh sandwiches. But today, I will have to take a rain check because I already have lunch reservations farther down the bay.
Until next time Route One Bakery & Kitchen, until next time. And I can hardly wait!
27000 Shoreline Hwy
Tomales, CA 94971
(707) 879-2022
