Small Batch Muffin
Someone else called Small Batch Bakery “Sarasota’s most varied and highest quality scratch-baked goods under one roof.” I would like to say that I discovered it early since I was there the day pastry chef/owner and French trained, Jim Plocharsky opened his door.
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I was hooked from the start with a cup of Kona coffee and a scrumptious muffin with cranberries and Clementine oranges. These addictive muffins, his best seller, are a magical mix of sweet and tart, moist and crunchy.
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Small Batch is the kind of bakery that I grew up loving, with the best ingredients and favorites such as quiche and cannoli.
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Although Jim is ahead of the newest and best trends, like candied bacon in his new blt luncheon sandwich, he keeps authentic French croissants and carrot cake on his menu. Jim also adds unexpected surprises such as a grape cluster with your continental breakfast, along with real butter and jam. Sometimes I pop in for a loaf of freshly baked artisan bread of the day such as French baguette and sourdough or multi-grain.
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Small Batch is a melting pot of international cultural cuisine with European classics and American favorites.
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I have an apology to make. I interviewed another new, young, innovative chef in the same week. By mistake I mixed up the two photos. Both good looking chefs had their hats on backwards and were taking out something loving from the oven. The good news is that I will be more careful and that many read the blogs since I heard about it from the mid-west to Sarasota.
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Culinary reviewing wisdom advises against recommending a new restaurant for at least year. Yet, I knew that creative chefs with the courage to open a new venture would be flourishing within months. Small Batch won the Sarasota Magazine Award for Best Specialty Desserts for 2011. This muffin came from Jim’s oven an hour ago.
Jim’s Small Batch Bakery
2336 Gulf Gate Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Phone: 941-922 BAKE (2253)
