"When Bakers Bench opens at Far East Plaza in Chinatown on June 4, its display cases will be filled with golden, flaky vegan viennoiserie. The bakery, named in honor of the nucleus of the pastry kitchen, operates from a 5-by-10-foot kiosk located in the breezeway of one of Chinatown’s busiest plazas. Though Yee initially envisioned a fully decked out brick-and-mortar complete with espresso machine, blast freezer, and deck oven for her first bakery, she scaled back after considering the hard costs. Yee’s signature vegan croissants are every bit as glossy and golden as their butter-made counterparts. The croissants’ shatteringly crisp exterior gives way to tender, honeycombed insides — a sign of patient proofing and skillful lamination." - Cathy Chaplin
