A Visit to Catania Bakery

Did you realize that there is a bakery operating in our neighborhood? Most people do not, even though it has been in operation since 1932. Catania Bakery (1404 North Capitol Street N.W. at O Street N.W.) is open only on Wednesdays (from 7 a.m.) and Saturdays (from 7:30 a.m.), and it is easy to overlook given that many of the stores in the area are vacant or just recently opened.

But it is definitely worth a look. I stopped by the bakery for the first time this morning around 10 a.m. I was greeted by a friendly woman with a delicious assortment of pastries, cakes, French/Italian breads, and biscotti (click on any of these photos for a bigger view).

Best of all, the price is right. I bought eight pastries (6 of the raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry items that you see to the left and two croissants) for $7.40. You do the math-- these prices are about half of what you'd pay at Au Bon Pain. I plan to make a regular Wednesday morning stop here on my way to work. The store hours may expand once other businesses begin operating in the area.

Speaking of which, while I was taking pictures, in walked Brian Brown. Earlier this year, Brian and his business partner successfully bid on the old D.C. Firehouse located at North Capitol & R Street N.W., which they plan to turn into a restaurant.
This business endeavor will renew a blighted area in our neighborhood and make productive use of neglected city property badly in need of historic restoration. It also has the potential to be an incredible cultural magnet where individuals of all backgrounds can share live music. Brian told me that he had received the contract from the City and was in the process of reviewing it. I'm looking forward to hearing about further progress.