Wednesday 05 / February / 2025
Big windows, polished cement floors, and vintage brick walls are home to the intoxicating aroma of fresh baking dough at The District Bakery, my new favourite spot for late brunches in Bousher.
The Beachwood-coloured exterior of the place gave me a modern, French boutique vibe, and, upon stepping through the doorway, I saw that the theme continued inside the minimalist space, which I learned was inspired by the old bakeries of Lebanon.
Breads were shelved for order, cakes and pastries were on display, and the small, airy space begged me to linger on one of the stools by the window or in the comfy seating area against the back wall. And that’s just what I did.
I began taking in the quirky details — oddly designed lamps that were just adorable to look at; wooden strips on the ceiling; lanterns in a variety of shapes at the end of the hallway that leads to the rest-room; and funky, square metal chairs. The Lana Del Rey song playing in the background summed up the hip, nostalgic place perfectly. I couldn’t resist the urge to take a few selfies before turning my attention to the food.
The menu at The District is a combination of traditional Lebanese delicacies with a hint of French twist, including freshly-baked breads and mana’eesh (crisp Lebanese flatbread with a variety of toppings), pies, tarts, sandwiches, wraps, baked eggs, and salads, which are all perfect bites for an ideal in-between meal or a late brunch with friends.
I was quite full from a sad cereal breakfast I’d had a couple of hours before, but I very well couldn’t leave without sampling a few things.
I started off with a interesting-sounding watermelon and feta salad. Thick rounds of sliced watermelons were layered with feta cheese and drizzled with balsamic vinegar for a sweet, tangy, tart dish that was delicious and refreshing. Soon a fresh-baked margarita pizza appeared. The classic Italian pizza is topped with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, and the key to a recipe this simple is fresh ingredients and perfect baking, which again they aced. The thin-crust pizza wasn’t too crunchy or too soft, and the toppings tasted garden-fresh.
Despite my complaining stomach, I had to try a dessert before I left this fresh-baked wonderland, so I concluded my “sampling” with a mixed fruit tart. Assorted fresh berries were layered atop creamy custard on perfectly crisp pastry base. An utter delight.
The place also caters to events. They got mini burgers, pastries, tarts, and savoury bites.
Offering snacks, coffees, mocktails, and free wifi, The District seems to be making itself a hub for students, and with mini burgers, sandwiches, and tarts available for catering, they are sure to make their mark on the home entertaining scene as well. With beautifully presented food, affordable prices, and a cheerful, young ambiance, it was hard for me not to fall in love with this place at first visit. So I went back. And at every fresh-baked meal I enjoy in The District, I find myself a little more smitten. —[email protected]
