What we’ve chosen to do in terms of categorization, is to include both small neighborhood coffee shops that make most of their own baked goods and large bakeries that sell wholesale, under the same  “bakery” category.  And we’ve discovered that most wholesale-selling bakeries don’t put as much energy into amenities for hanging-out, as do the smaller neighborhood shops.

So with the recently opened Roman Candle.  For example it has 4 lovely wooden top tables but then only plastic seats around them (4 on each side;) and all the tables are lined up neatly and unexcitingly like in an institution.  And though there are nice plate glass windows, there’s not much interesting visually inside  other than a collection of older utensils and kettles.   Thus, despite yummy treats, there’s not much in Roman Candle to encourage patrons to take part in longer conversations.

Still, the four of us did enjoy our Sunday conversation.  Topics included a layout comparison of Roman Candle with Grand Central Bakery, our appreciation of the latter’s sustainability efforts,  T’s challenges with his HS senior, the upcoming primary elections for our State Representative and County Chair, H’s upcoming trip to New Orleans and most of our group’s affection for the TV show Treme.    3377 SE Division     romancandlebaking.com