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Sunday, January 23, 2011

The Bread Board - Falls City

Posted by KandN

Maybe N and I are alone, but several times a year we like to go for a weekend drive with the promise of a meal along the way.  As a result of our wandering ways, we've been rewarded with finding places in the Willamette valley that are worth more than one visit--like The Bread Board in Falls City.  We first became aware of this place after watching Nate Rafn's Living Culture video.  We already had developed a love for their bread, thanks to their booth at the Salem Saturday Market.

The owners have created such a warm, open, inviting atmosphere, especially on a dreary, grey, rainy day.  Nothing thrown together or haphazard here.  They've carefully spent time choosing the wall colors, furniture and the art adorning the walls.  Plus, during both visits the two of us have been entertained by watching the bread being made and slid in and out of the glowing brick oven.

I read on their blog that they were serving pizza four days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday).  What I neglected to read was the time--they begin taking orders at 4 PM and we arrived at 2:30 or 3 PM.  We had arrived during their prep transition time--between lunch and pizza, but this didn't faze the gracious man behind the counter.  Before we had a chance to switch plans to buy our bread and leave, he assured us that the kitchen would would be more than happy to make us lunch.

We took our iced tea and mocha to a table and chatted until our sandwiches were brought out.  That turkey panini with the spinach salad you see in the photo above?  It was as delicious as it looks.  All the ingredients were fresh and flavorful;  the sliced turkey, the house baked, toasted bread, the spinach salad with house made dressing.  As N and I ate, we could hear the phone calls begin to come in for pizza orders.  Next time we'll plan our arrival day and time more carefully.
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9am to 8pm.
(pizzas from 4-8pm only)
404 N. Main Street,
Falls City, OR 97344
503-787-5000
Here's a link to their blog. There are some great before and after photos of their building.
at 6:00 AM
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10 comments:

  1. KandN, What a great review! She who must be obeyed and I can't wait to try this place. I really enjoyed the video.

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  2. Indeed, The Bread Board is a great resource for traditional sourdough bread in the Mid-Valley. Plus, the owners are great folks. I'm glad the Living Culture video prompted you to visit Falls City. Nice review!

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  3. I had the great fortune to have a booth next to Keith & John at a couple of markets. Their bread is imaginative and wonderful and least known is the two of them are very good home chefs which has translated into a very nice bistro which I keep saying I'm going to try but haven't gotten out there to my great sadness. I have to put that high on my list of priorities!!!

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  4. We love the Breadboard also. We made the same mistake and arrived around lunchtime hoping for pizza. We enjoyed their Homeplate instead with samples of all of their bread and some different types of spreads. Very good! We also brought home some of their Fougasse bread. The Fougasse is perfect for dipping in Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar and bread dipping spices.

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  5. "I read on their blog that they were serving pizza three days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday)."

    So is the pizza really available FOUR days a week, or do they not serve pizza one of the days listed?

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  6. KandN, We just couldn't stand it! My bride and I saddled up and moseyed on down to Falls City this afternoon to check it out. What an utterly charming place, eclectically decorated with mismatched furniture which could have accumulated in Grandma’s attic. It exudes casual comfort. I’m afraid I overindulged a bit. We each had their amazing Turkey and Provolone Panini Sandwich on Sour Dough. As in KandN’s photo, they came with a Spinach Salad with dried Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds and a wonderful Honey Mustard Dressing on the side. Also, I couldn’t resist (or finish) their “House Plate” Bread Sampler with Hummus, Olive Tamenade, Pesto and Roasted Red Pepper Spread. Fantastic! Carol had a cup of Drip Coffee (just a plain old cup of Joe) as good as you’ll find anywhere for $1! Where else can you buy a cup of any Coffee for a buck in 2011? They’re working on getting OLCC approval to serve alcohol. It’s hard for me to imagine Pizza without Beer!

    Thanks again for this great review. Without eatsalem.com we never would have found this unbelievable spot!

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  7. I'm so glad there's a thread for the Bread Board now so I can chime in :) We have loved their bread from farmer's markets for a couple summers now, and when our friends from Falls City said this is their favorite new restaurant, we knew we had to try it!

    We went on a Sunday night for pizza in November or so. You HAVE to go in for a pie yourself! The place was packed for dinnertime but there was still a table available for us. The pies come in one size, absolutely huge (16 pieces) and super reasonably priced for the quality. The crust is thin, crisp, slightly charred, just about as perfect as crust can be. Toppings change with seasons I understand. The pizza was sooo good and though different in style to Christo's pizza, I would put them on the same level of quality and tastiness! 

    We also enjoyed what was easily the best salad i've ever eaten. It looked and tasted like it was grown in someone's backyard with love and  care. Tender assorted baby greens and even some petals.... I dont know the names of them all, but tossed with their housemade vinagrette it was so flavorful and delicious. We also spied some locally-forraged, beautiful chantrelle mushrooms available as a pizza topping or for sale by the pound! 

    For dessert our friends said we had to order their drinking chocolate. This cant even be compared to hot chocolate; its thick and rich and dark, like a melted chocolate bar in a little espresso cup. It's incredible! My companion and I shared one, very rich and a perfect end to the meal! 

    Bread Board is doing a great job! Our mountain biking friends tell us this is THE place to stop and fuel up with coffee and a homemade scone on the way to or from  Black Rock. We also had a great experience from start to finish... amazing food, kind, friendly staff and inviting atmosphere. I'm looking forward to summer and enjoying a pizza al fresco -- hopefully with a beer if their liquor license goes through!

    -guitar4me

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  8. I had a feeling a place this good wouldn't be a secret in the Willamette Valley. :)

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  9. First, I should say that I really LOVE the Bread Board...they make some wonderful breads and pastries. But reading this made me wonder about something else entirely. What does it say about Salem's dining scene that we are swooning over a bakery and pizza joint that is a good 40 minute drive from here? I really wish that we had more quality restaurants in town. That's not to say that I don't enjoy a drive in the country and a great pizza as much as the next person - but WHY, OH WHY can't we attract these types of establishments? I know, I know - there are a handful of reliable, good places to eat here, but when you consider Salem as compared to a city of similar size (i.e. Eugene) the scene is sorely lacking. Ok, I'll stop ranting now.

    So, I ask ye: what is it that stops young chefs, investors, or what not, from opening shop here - in the heart of Oregon wine country for God's sake?

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  10. fabulous bread and ok pizza

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What do you think? Please keep your comments civil. Personal attacks are not welcome and do not lead to constructive or even interesting discussion. If you believe a restaurant is in violation of county ordinances please bring that matter to the county health department at (503) 588-5346

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