You’d think producing some 450 different bread varieties would require plenty of high-speed automation, but Tom Cat Bakery draws as much from its passion, inspiration and stamina to create an artful large line of flavorful, aromatic breads. An assortment of liquid levain, biga, poolish and solid levain, and the best possible ingredients also help.
From its new, handmade traditional pretzels with a popping-fresh, shiny brown crust to rich, sweet brioche, French rolls, wheat, rye and ficels, Tom Cat Bakery, Long Island City, N.Y., has been baking authentic French, Italian, German and other breads, scrumptious baguettes, whole-grain bâtards and specialty breads for more than 26 years.