Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Flaxette Wins #1 Artisan Bread in CT

FAIRFIELD, CT – Fairfield Bread Company’s Flaxette has taken 1st place in bread at the Connecticut Specialty Food Awards (CSFA) tenth annual Product Awards Competition. A panel of judges consisting of local media personalities, food writers, and chefs scored products on overall taste/flavor, consistency/texture, appeal, and color. “This competition showcases the best of the best in the state,” said Tricia Levesque, CSFA Director.

“It’s gratifying to have our hard work recognized,” said Head Baker and Fairfield Bread Company (FBC) President Michael Mordecai, who started FBC a year ago after developing this unique demi-baguette featuring organic flax. The Flaxette has a caramelized crust with a distinctive crackle, and a tender, springy interior.

Despite being a newcomer to a competitive market, The Flaxette is grabbing attention, and is sold in specialty stores from Black Rock to Darien. It is featured on the menu of The Dressing Room, a top locavore restaurant in Westport started by Chef Michel Nischan and the late actor Paul Newman.

“The CT Department of Agriculture sponsored Specialty Food Awards encourages local artisans to produce at their highest level,” said Mordecai, “Well-crafted food begins with minimally processed ingredients. I use organic ground flax, unbleached and unbromated flours. I love the flavors of the natural grains – and I balance these flavors by using old-world methods of long fermentation and wild yeast.”

Mordecai was inspired by the bread his grandmother used to bake and the bread he tasted traveling with his family in Europe as a child. He attributes the success of FBC to the palate of Fairfield County’s discerning customers. “Our customers have sophisticated taste buds. We use high quality ingredients and put a lot of care into each loaf. That’s what our customers expect. Our goal is to provide our community with first-class bread that tastes great and is naturally nutritious.”

FBC’s Flaxette is made in Fairfield. While the organic ground flax is added to enhance the nutty flavor, its health benefits cannot be overlooked.

Strangers telephone FBC to say “This is the best bread I’ve ever tasted.” And kids love the nutty flavor, natural sweetness, and soft, springy texture.

FBC’s Flaxette is sold in Fairfield at The Pantry, Adams Bakery and the Greenfield Hill farmer’s market, in Westport at Whole Foods Market, Double L Market, and Garelick and Herbs, in Darien at Palmers Market and Whole Foods Market, in Black Rock at Green Gourmet to Go, in Easton at Sport Hill Farm Market, in Bethel at Holbrook farm, and in Southport at Spic and Span Market.