Bread, Espresso & - Review - Redondo Beach - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Show up late to Bread, Espresso &, and the pastry case will look like the aftermath of a Black Friday sale. This imported Japanese bakery chain is known for its mou, cube-shaped milk bread that looks like it was carved by a woodworker and is stuffed with things like tuna salad, cheese, or curry. Their baking output seems limited though, so most of the pastries will be gone after 10am (even though they open at 9am), leaving just the ones with nuts and dried fruit. Restocks happen randomly, so the best strategy is to pounce on whatever is coming out of the oven. When it’s warm and fresh, the milk bread is pillowy and mochi-like with a toasty crust, but when it’s been sitting out a bit, it morphs into a dry, rigid cube. So Bread, Espresso & isn’t about specific must-order pastries—it’s about timing. Get there early, or watch the ovens so you can grab whatever is warm. If nothing is coming out hot while you’re there, taking home a loaf of plain mou is your safest bet. It holds up decently well and is a good vehicle for jam, butter, or whatever specific thing you like to put on bread. photo credit: Cathy Park photo credit: Cathy Park" - Cathy Park