P E R S O N
by stefani greenwood
Bread is good, right? Let me introduce you to Benjamin Tugwell – bread maker for the restaurant Bastide. Now let me tell you that Ben’s bread is heaven – Gilda and I were lucky enough to sample a tasting menu of breads which had us begging for more! Seriously, being without Ben’s bread is a nightmare. Ben is so totally rad and I think you will agree.
Tell us the story of you and bread: To start off here is an abridged back story, in 2008 I quit Culinary School and my job to move to Berlin to be with my girlfriend who was starting a year long exchange. Over the first couple of months that I was there I was trying to figure out what area of the field really suited me. During that time I delved into Andrew Whitley’s “Bread Matters” and immediately fell in love with baking bread at home. I sent emails out to as many great bakeries as I could find and visited each one to try and get a job. The only baker who gave me a shot was Peter Klann, owner of Soluna Brot und Öl, who let me try out and told me he thought I had what he calls “the touch.” The rest is history…I am currently the baker at Bastide in West Hollywood and have recently started a side project baking bread for friends from my home.
What are some places around Los Angeles that you love? My fav places inevitably involve food. I have been going to Malibu Seafood off PCH since I was a kid for the amazing garlic smoked mussels. Luckily my favorite beach, El Matador, is close by too. One of my other favorite places is Empress Pavilion in Chinatown. I love going on Sunday morning for Dim Sum. I just started going to Sapp Coffee Shop in Thai Town where they serve amazing authentic Thai Boat Noodles, i love them.
Would you tell us the last dream you had? I actually don’t dream that often, and when I do I usually don’t remember them, so it’s strange that I actually remember one from 2 nights ago. In the dream I was making very delicate tarts that were difficult to execute while my chef was yelling at me. It’s dreams like these that make me feel lucky to not always remember.
Thank you Ben!
NY Times / LAist / Bastide / Taste Buds
This is so great! Ben and his bread are completely wonderful. I loved hearing him talk about bread and the balance between life and love.
I loved that day so much.
Having sampled his bread I can enthusiastically agree that his bread is so good. I have been to The Empress many times, also so good. Chicken feet? Duck feet? Just kidding!
I love all my memories with you at The Empress.
I want to try some of that bread!
And you will – either I will have some for you or we can go over to Bastide for lunch.
ooh la la. we’ll be all “ladies who lunch” and like wear hats and gloves.
This bread reminds me of my time in Berlin and Switzerland. Consume with butter, gruyere, and friends!
Bread is great! AND Ben is so sweet. I’ve tasted this bread and I can attest to its greatness. I love hearing about people’s favorite places to eat. I cannot wait to try Malibu Seafood.