Stop and stare at deft hands as they pull the white dough in different directions. Breathe in slowly. Let the tantalizing smell play on your palette of the fresh baked breads slowly coming out of the oven. This is one of my favorite places to visit in San Francisco. The name of this spectacular bread shop is Boudin.

Why is this shop so special? Part of it has to do with the amazing flavor of sourdough bread that they produce along with the attitude that bread can be a component of fun and fantasy. This dough is special for its flavor for several reasons. The first being the mother dough. This is the starter for their breads that impart their famous flavor and texture. The white, soft fluffy inside is perfect for slopping up soup or having on its own. The golden crunchy crust gives the bread it’s satisfying bite. This is why it is one of the best breads you will ever eat, and is considered a special treat. However, the bread does have a fun and fantasy flair that makes it special too.

They use the base of the sourdough to craft fun shapes other than the standard bread loaf. Some of these shapes include little turtles, teddy bears, and even the odd alligator. When sampling these fun shapes, I suggest the strategy of attacking the limbs first because the limbs are tend to have the crunchiest crust in more manageable sizes. If you love the crunch texture of the crust on a french bread then make way for the crunchy limbs of these delectable treats.

Bread is a corner stone of our diet and a grocery store staple. Although, no bread is created equally. There is an art to making the crumb texture and imparting flavor. It is not something someone can pick up in a day. That is why if you love food then make a trip to this landmark and never look at bread the same again.