The Bakery on Mason in Cape Charles just opened, but it’s not exactly a newbie. Folks know it as The Bakery at Riverside Farm, beloved at Eastern Shore farmers markets as well as Virginia Beach’s Old Beach Farmers Market, though it’s debatable which is more popular: Baker-Owner Louise Orlando or her sourdough loaves (made from a decade-old Eastern Shore starter of wild yeast producing a softer tang than San Francisco sourdough). Along with artisan breads, the family-run brick and mortar rolls out scratch-made muffins, scones, croissants, cookies and more. Locally roasted coffee and specialty sandwiches on baguettes are available, too. “Our bakery is all open so everyone can see what we’re doing. My mother raised me with the phrase, ‘Be good, honest and true, always,’” shares Orlando. “And that's how we’re running our bakery.”
236 Mason Ave., Cape Charles.757-331-4777. BakeryOnMason.com
Marisa Marsey
Marisa Marsey is a food, beverage and travel writer whose awards include 1st place Food Writing from the Virginia Press Association. A Johnson & Wales University representative, she has sipped Château d'Yquem '75 with Jean-Louis Palladin, sherpa-ed for Edna Lewis and savored interviews with Wolfgang Puck and Patrick O’Connell.
