Blogs → New England is Delicious →
Sofra Bakery
Shawarma wraps, almond cakes, Syrian shortbread
by Annie B. Copps
I've mentioned my affection for the great food shops of Watertown, Massachusetts, and my friend, chef Ana Sortun of Oleana. Well, the two have come together. Ana opened Sofra (sofrabakery.com) a few weeks ago. Technically it's in Cambridge, but it's at the split where Mt. Auburn and Belmont streets meet (or separate) -- it's in Camtermontownbridge!
Anyway, her bakery/cafe is open. I say "her," but it's also the baby of pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick. If you're an Oleana fan, you'll see some familiar faces, including Ana's business partner Gary Griffen stocking a shelf, sous chef Wilton Orsono crisping up shawarma sandwiches on the convex metal griddles (which were custom built in Lebanon), contractor Max Haziliades poking around with his measuring tape, and verdant displays of garden-fresh produce from Ana's husband's farm.
It's brand-new and busy already, so there are kinks to work out. But be patient -- the dozen or so meze selections include beet tzaziki (shredded beets in garlicky yogurt), smoky eggplant, hummus (not the typical puree, but whole chickpeas in tahini sauce), and goat cheese with sultanas and almonds, exotic and delicious. As are the aforementioned shawarma wrap sandwiches with crunchy green beans and zucchini oozing with garlic sauce. Maura is also baking her sweet little heart out, with rich almond cakes (served with rose-petal jam), Syrian shortbread made with clarified butter (it should be contraband), and chocolate earthquakes that will indeed cause you tremors. Tradition with a twist -- just what we expect from this talented team.
I'm given to finger-wagging, and as I mentioned, please be patient, because again, this food is wonderful and different and worth the wait. But also because anything new will have kinks, and only patience and training will get everyone where they need to be. Last week, their second Sunday in business, a fight broke out over seating. There isn't a lot of seating -- it's a small space. Apparently someone was sitting and holding a seat for a friend who was at the counter ordering. Another patron insisted that that wasn't fair and took the empty seat. Evil words were exchanged. Bratty and bullying behavior ensued. One person said to the other, "I hope you die of cancer." Over a seat. Shame on you.
Reader Comments
Comment from Marissa Dana on September 16, 2008
Shame indeed! There must be something more important to worry over than a seat?!? Sometimes it becomes crystal clear that some adults just haven't quite grown up, or are too wrapped up in their own worlds, to recognize and appreciate others. Quite sad. And over such incredible, delectable food as what they are dishing up at Sofra, we should just all be friends and enjoy the beet tzaziki!!
Comment from Jamie Trowbridge on September 25, 2008
I have never eaten better in my life than when I worked in Watertown. I am not as discriminating as Annie. Go into the Armenian delis and try anything. You could make a meal out of the olive selection alone.
Registered users can add comments.
Registration is free, and just takes a moment.
Login or Register.