A short walk down the road from me, in a house just as charming as its residents, Megan and Adam live a love story that I never tire of witnessing, basking in or admiring. As you pass through a cave of lofty conifers toward the front gate, the dogs announce your arrival well before the drop pin hits the latch. In the clearing, a storybook cottage stands as if plucked from the Cotswolds or the pages of a Beatrice Potter book. Every square inch says welcome, which comes as no surprise considering Adam and Megan call it home.
Further up the road just south of town, Megan and Adam share their love story with the rest of the world in their island eatery Snapdragon Bakery & Cafe. Yeasty goodness and simmering effusions envelop the room, and the open kitchen is filled with the spirited conversation between cooks and cookware. Not a place for skimpy or stingy serving sizes, I’m surprised the pastry case shelves don’t buckle under the weight of Adam’s creations. And while the baked goods and vegetarian cuisine shine brightly, they must also share double billing with the other stars of the establishment, Megan and Adam.
Some places are purely business. You get the feeling that your contract with the counter staff is to order, eat, and get out. Snapdragon is different, very different. If Vashon Island has a living room or parlor, Snapdragon Bakery is it. Adam and Megan have taken a space and brought it to life with a generosity, kindness and authenticity that spoils me on a regular basis. (I do like my pastries.)
In the back, they’ve created an inviting garden patio for a weather condition we Pacific North Westerners rejoice in: not raining. And in a connecting space adjacent to the bakery, you’ll find another of their valentines to the community: Hastings Cone Gallery. I love this line from Adam, “We’re finally making use of our art education, which is, of course, the reason why we cook.”
And where there is food and art, let there be music, too. Megan and Adam welcome musicians to the Bakery Cafe regularly. Many a time I drop in for a bowl of soup and stay for a Saxophone solo. I grab sunflower seed bread to go, and then kill half the loaf an hour later after a set of Celtic tunes. In a world of fast food and power bars it’s nice to know there is a place where food brings great people, music and art together, and all without the diminishing effect of Wi-Fi.
Megan and Adam have a love story and I’m glad I know it. The day I sat on a straw bale and heard them say, “I do” I knew love would always be in the air and just down the street (not to mention in every croissant). Thank you for sharing your recipe for a joy, love, friendship and life.
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I would be in real trouble if I lived down the road from this shop;-) Do they make doggy treats also?
Hi Karen, they don’t make doggy treats, but that’s okay because Boz and Gracie prefer their cinnamon rolls to kibble any day.
I just loved this post. Sometimes the world ( specifically the news) gets so dreary you wonder if there is ANY good left in it. That looks like a great couple and wow-the talent with the baking!
You can always tell when someone is doing what they should be doing. The love just shines on it all.
You are indeed fortunate to live where you do.
Thanks Sue, I so agree, sometimes the good gets overshadowed, and special folks are ignored. So here’s to the kind hearts and good souls who help us make it through the day when we need a little push, or sweet treat and kind word.
Great article, Tom ! I didn’t know the sweet story behind everyone’s favorite place. Dang, now I’m hungry …. I’d like a Tom sandwich to go, please.
That just makes a person feel good.
Hi, Tom! After a long break from the internet and blogging, I’m enjoying catching up on favorite blogs. What a delightful bakery and cafe! It would be very hard to stay away from such tempting creations if I lived nearby. They all look scrumptious. I’d just exercise more and indulge! Hope all is well.
Hi Dianne, I wondered what was up. So glad you’re back! I’ll have to head over to your blog to see what’s been going on. Take care!
[…] shining example of what vegetarian food aspires to be. Here on the island, we have wonderful Snapdragon Bakery and Cafe, which simply serves delicious, creative food, that just happens to be […]