Chef Ana Sortun is known for her lovely Oleana, Cambridge's favorite special occasion restaurant. Two years ago, she and pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick opened a casual offshoot, Sofra Bakery, to showcase her glorious pastries, mezze, and spices. I'm a longtime Oleana fan, but I am deeply, madly in love with Sofra. I went with a group of friends for brunch on Saturday and ordered nearly the entire menu: dips and spreads in wild colors (owing to carrots, beets, or spinach), lush poached eggs in spiced tomato broth, chard-and-walnut filled flatbreads, and tender breakfast muffins sticky with orange blossom glaze. Stuffed and happy, I couldn’t resist stocking up on za’atar and tahini for my own kitchen.
I am visiting the Boston area from the West Coast for the first time this summer - I will keep this tasty little tip-off in my travel files and will be sure to make a detour over to Sofra for some sweet treats.