Helping Others has Never Tasted So Good

Baking a Difference: A DELICIOUS WAY OF GIVING BACK

WRITTEN BY MADISON FELDHAUS PHOTOS BY ALICE COREY PHOTOGRAPHY

While visiting downtown Saratoga this holiday the rustic floors and creamy colored paints. The joy and season, there will be a noticeable difference pride Mary has for the team behind the renovation is apparent from last years’ experience. The Bread Basket in the way she speaks about the journey. She relayed Ed’s Bakery, the Spring Street staple has recently reaction to her work as having “knocked it out of the park,” gone through a transition. and the results clearly show that Mary and NHL are ready to Established in 1982 by Joan Tallman, sweet tooths have been take on more. satisfied by her tempting selection of cookies, pies, cakes, and The changes in ownership and decor still honor the warm pastries. The bakery has also quelled the growling stomachs business you’ve always loved. Keeping it in the family, of Saratogians and tourists alike with their addition of breakfast previous owner Matthew Tallman still maintains an active and lunch, courtesy of Joan’s sons Matthew and Chad. role as the General Manager. Pascal refers to her mission as From now on the business will be “Baking a Difference,” a "Great mix of keeping what’s solid about it, yet updated allocating all profits towards charity causes that directly for the current marketplace.” impact the Saratoga and Albany communities. Ed and Lisa As a result of COVID, the bakery started offering family style Mitzen, entrepreneurs and philanthropists within the dinners to be brought home and put in the oven. This hit is Saratoga Community, have purchased the The Bread Basket now a permanent feature on the menu. Breakfast and lunch Bakery as an entity of their new charity venture. Beneficiaries will continue to be available in the cafe, now open Tuesday will include organizations with initiatives which support food through Sunday. The team is also ready to keep making insecurity, homelessness, minority causes, children’s causes, special ordered cupcakes and cakes. You can stay up to animal welfare, and healthcare. date on specials, interact with contests, and celebrate their In August, Ed approached NLH Property Management about business by following them on Facebook (The Bread Basket remodeling the space. Mary Wilson, an assistant project Bakery) and Instagram (@breadbasketbakery). manager with NLH, became trusted with executing the Everyone needs to eat, from patrons of local businesses to vision. She describes design and decorating as “something those seeking help. By making The Bread Basket a charity she’s always wanted to do,” and this enterprise became the based eatery, the Mitzens are providing members of the perfect way to start. community an opportunity to contribute within the confines Ed’s concept for the space was “English Cottage,” a description of the climate and their routines. Helping others thrive is a Mary took off with. The Mitzen family’s charity Marketing beautiful way to show love for the area and for those who Director, Pascal Salvatore, illustrates the business as "a live here… a delicious one too! community pillar, a place you go if you want to feel cozy For more Before & After photos, and more on this story… away from home.” This atmosphere is maintained through visit us at www.SimplySaratoga.com!