THE BEST OF DURHAM
East Durham Bake Shop Ali Rudel and Ben Filippo opened the
Hutchins Garage
Started by a group of familiar Durham brick-and-mortar iteration of East Durham restaurant folks – Owner/Operator Tracy Bake Shop (Ali sold her pies out of their Hancock, Owner Malachy Noone (also of Old East Durham home prior) in March Bull McCabes and Viceroy), Owner Harvey 2018 after years of working in local food Gray and Head Chef Michael Morrone – industries. The shop at 406 S. Driver St. is Hutchins Garage is at 402 W. Geer St. in the located in a beautifully renovated building historic Hutchins Auto Supply building in that housed the Seagroves Grocery Store at the Warehouse District near the Durham the turn of the century, as well as a watch Bulls Athletic Park. ABOVE Tracy Hancock of Hutchins Garage repair shop and a second-hand shoe store. The spot is quickly becoming a staple with their Spicy Vodka pizza. BELOW Cookies, Inside, you’ll step right up to the counter to of food scene on this side of town as more scones, pies and muffins are among the many sweet options at East Durham Bake Shop. place your order – coffee and beverages range businesses spring up in the area. The patio, from $1.85 for drip coffee up to $4.75 for a specialty drink; pastries and baked goods range from $1.25 for a cookie up to $5 for a seasonal fruit galette; soup, salad and savory pies are in the $4 to $6 range and can be paired for a lunch special discount. (They are working to expand the lunch menu, too.) If you’re looking for a whole pie ($25), be sure to order in advance. Regulars know all about the tuffets – a brioche knot of the bake shop's own invention with cardamom, honey, cashews and a hint of rosewater. And always grab a slice of whatever fruit pie is available. Because they only use ingredients that are in season, you may not see the same pie again till next year. And if you’re not into coffee, try a tea latte. “We work with two other local, woman-owned tea companies, Arteao and Jeddah’s Tea, and we regularly add new tea specials to the menu,” Ali says. Before you order, check out the “Just Because” board next to the set far back from the street, is inviting, all the more so when the big register – a pay-it-forward system where visitors to the shop purchase garage door is opened to reveal the fun and Instagram-worthy interior. an item to dedicate to someone. “They range from humorous to sweet Intriguing specially crafted cocktails and curated beer and wine and sincere and have the power to brighten a bad day,” Ali says. selections (check their social media feeds for updates to draft lists) When you’re all settled up, take your pick from 25 seats indoors provide plenty of options for pairings with their pizzas, which range – complete with a large communal table and cozy window seat with from $11 to $16, but can go higher with additional toppings. a children’s library – or one of a dozen seats outside among a small “First timers should consider the margherita pizza,” Tracy says, “or garden of edible and native plants. “For us it’s all in the details,” Ali one of the composed pies, like the Spicy Vodka. Fourteen inches round, says. “Our goal is to create a peaceful environment for connecting with cut into six slices, it’s difficult to not eat most of one yourself, so you may friends and loved ones, working, studying and getting to try classic pies need to order two.” Another good sharing option is the slightly thicker, and pastries as well as creative interpretations that come from seasonal rectangular Grandma-style pizza, which the restaurant has become and local ingredients.” known for. “But save room for the house-made tiramisu,” Tracy says. 36
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