sadGrowing up in Berkeley, my parents wouldn't allow white plastic bread in the house (we pretty much always had whole wheat or something like it), and I never acquired a taste for it. I most likely encountered my first slice of sourdough at Spenger's, and fell in love immediately. It's always been a special treat. As commercial products go, Columbo has been my brand of choice (although, in recent years, Trader Joe's has accounted for the lion's share of my sourdough purchases).
Eight years ago, Parisian/Columbo/Toscana were gobbled up by Kansas City-based Interstate Bakeries Corporation; IBC filed for bankruptcy protection last year. Yesterday, they announced they'd be closing the Parisian bakery on Evans St., and the Wonder bakery on Bryant St. (home to that other childhood favorite, Hostess Ho Hos) in August. I'm going to miss the amazing smells that waft over the Potrero Center when the winds are just right...
While other plants will continue to crank out Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Sno Balls, Parisian's demise marks the end of a era.
