Scratch Bakers

Recently, there's been a wonderful new addition to the Auckland food scene. It's a magical place in an old, under-used part of the central city that now houses a brewery, a coffee roastery, several cafes, eateries and a wonderful bakery by the name of Scratch Bakers. 

The next project by Sam Ali from Newmarket's The Teed Street Larder, Scratch Bakers have a selection of artisanal pies, sandwiches and sweet treats as well as coffee and cold drinks. We found ourselves at the City Works Depot in the sunshine one Saturday afternoon. Since everything in the cabinets and everything on the blackboard sounded irresistibly delicious we had simply choose two, knowing we'd come back to try the rest at a later date (I was headed to a beer and chili festival that afternoon so there was no way there could be a full on eating fest on this occasion). 

We opted for the duck and the goat, based on the decision that we wouldn't likely be eating duck or goat again that week. The confit duck was paired with potatoes and wild mushrooms, it was rich, savoury and filling - an all round solid pie with a buttery, flaky pastry crust. The goat was braised in harissa and topped with yoghurt, it was spicy, warming and just that little bit different. It was quite clearly my favourite, but with at least four other pies to go back and try, the final decision is yet to be made. 

Since the sandwiches looked so damned delicious there was no way we were leaving without trying one, so we grabbed up the pork belly and kimchi and I took just a bite (ok, three) before Wil devoured the rest. I love a good piece of pork belly and I love me some kimchi so this combo was pretty stellar. If I worked near here my bank balance would be in trouble. 

We also couldn't leave without trying something sweet so a dark chocolate and sour cherry cake was purchased, only I was too busy instagramming and big dollop of the delectable icing fell to the ground. Wamp, wamp. The bites I had were delicious and now that I follow these guys on instagram I'm drooling over my phone every day. 

Another great thing about Scratch Bakers? Brother's Beer is right next door and you can grab a pint & a pie and sit back on a beanbag in the sun and enjoy. Wicked. You can find them at Shed 3F, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland.