Lovejoy Bakers
When I first discovered Ken’s Artisan Bakery, I was extremely delighted to find such a place in Portland. It is so European and reminded me of our travels in the old world. I also admire the bakery’s philosophy of using local ingredients and sustainable practices.
Even though I am a fan of Ken’s, I am always looking for great places to eat. Today, I found myself strolling through the Pearl District when I discovered another European-style bakery, the Lovejoy Bakers. It had a contemporary style and was more of a lunch place than a bakery. Although they showcased different kinds of bread, the hustle and bustle of the lunch crowd made it less of a bakery. I ordered a croissant and a lemon bar to go. I noticed the croissant was much smaller than Ken’s and lighter in color. I had a light bulb moment. How about I compare them side by side? On my way home, I stopped at Ken’s to get a croissant and a cranberry macaron.
Lovejoy Bakers < > Ken's Artisan Bakery
Croissants
Flakiness:
Both are nice and flaky but Ken’s had thicker flakes which made it a little too chewy.
Color and Texture:
I like the color and texture of Lovejoy’s. Ken’s is darker and had a hint of dark, almost burnt caramel flavor.
Inside:
Ken’s is lighter inside and has more air which I like. Lovejoy’s is more dense.
Butter-iness / Moisture:
Lovejoy’s is moist all throughout. Ken’s is on the dry side but less greasy.
Flavor / Sweetness:
Since Lovejoy’s is more buttery, it had more flavor while Ken’s thick flaky crust seems to take away from the buttery flavor.
Ken's Artisan Bakery < > Lovejoy Bakers
Desserts
Lemon Bar – Lovejoy Bakers
I’m sorry to say that I like the ones I make using Smitten Kitchen’s Recipe better. Theirs tasted like lemon candy. The crust did not have a bite to it, not crumbly like I expected.
Cranberry Macarons – Ken’s Artisan Bakery
I’ve never had macarons before, not anywhere in Europe or here. This one from Ken’s is so delicious! Lightly sweetened with a nice chewy texture. I am so going back there to try the other flavors.
Lemon Bar < > Cranberry Macaron
For me, Lovejoy Bakers makes the better croissant. It’s been a while but I think their version is closer to what you would get in Paris. The lemon bar from Lovejoy Bakers was disappointing while the macaron at Ken’s was wonderful. I know that’s not apples to apples but I wanted a different angle of comparison. With that said, I highly recommend both places and the next time I find myself in the neighborhood, I will be coming back for more.
P.S. If you haven’t already tried it, head over to Ken’s Artisan Pizza for some of the best pizzas in Portland.
How about you? Let me know what you think of Lovejoy Bakers and Ken’s Artisan Bakery.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey! I forgot you started a new blog. Baked goods are my favorite and would you believe I’ve never tried Lovejoy Bakers? I’ve been to Ken’s many times because I get my haircut near there, but I can’t say I like their baked goods very much. They always seem overbaked (which you illustrate perfectly in your photo above).
Emily,
Over-baked indeed. However I still like Ken’s. Their pizzas are some of the best in my book.
-Charlotte