I can't remember the name of an Italian-French style bread bakery that was at the corner of Powell and Francisco in the 1960s and 1970s. It was open all night and you could get sourdough bread as soon as it came out of the ovens at 4:00 am. Can anyone help me with this?

- SA

-- Sylvia Allen (sylviaa53@yahoo.com), October 19, 2002

Answers

Are you thinking of the defunct Larraburu Bakery?

-- Grace (catlover1959@hotmail.com), October 21, 2002.

I don't know! Was that it? If the Larraburu Bakery was at the corner of Powell and Francisco in the late 60s, that's the one. The one I'm thinking of is certainly defunct; the building was replaced years ago, and there's a post office plant of some sort there now. Do you know if that was the Larraburu Bakery?

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.

- SA

-- Sylvia Allen (sylviaa53@yahoo.com), October 22, 2002.

I'm trying to contact my brother who went to Francisco Jr. High at the time. He should know. But Fred's was the place to buy sandwiches!

-- Ray H (rayh424@hotmail.com), October 26, 2002.

Oh, I know! I went to Francisco J.H., too, and of course that's where we went for sandwiches. But, you know, actually the sign on the front said "Fredy's", remember? And I'm sure they meant Freddy's, but it looked like they meant "Freedy's", so that's what we called it.

You're right, the bakery at the corner didn't make sandwiches, but it was open all night; fresh hot sourdough at 4:00 am, oh heaven! for a teenager. I'd be somewhat less enthusiastic about it now.

Ray, I'll be very grateful if you and your brother can come up with the answer about the name of that corner bakery. It could have been Larraburu's (Grace's suggestion) but I just don't remember. Thanks a lot for asking your brother.

- SA

-- Sylvia Allen (sylviaa53@yahoo.com), October 26, 2002.

I don't know if Larraburu had any outlets (a la Boudin) but the main bakery was out in the Richmond near Playland.

D.M.

-- Don Martinich (dutchm@dcn.org), October 27, 2002.

I still get hot sourdough bread when it pops out of the oven at the Boudin Bakery on 10th and Geary. They usually have fresh coming out about 10:15-10:30 am. I have to purchase two loaves. My 85 year old mother will eat a whole loaf herself as soon as I get it home (around the corner).

Larraburu was on Clement, near about Sixth or so. One morning a friend and I couldn't get anyone to take our money. So we just pilferred a couple of loaves. You could get fresh pasteries at the old Stemplers on Poterero, too! Those packaged pastries aren't bad when they just come out of the oven.

When I was in elementary school, I was looking forward to going to Francisco JH to get a Fred's Sandwich. But alas, I was shipped off Marina JH. I was an adult before I got a Fred's. It was still a sandwich shop (only open for lunch) about 15 years ago.

Now for the main question: It may have been the VENETIAN BAKERY. But I'll still check. I don't think it was the Parisian Bakery. I think they were always an East Bay outfit.

-- Ray H (rayh424@hotmail.com), October 27, 2002.

Oh! Venetian Bakery! It could well have been that. It sounds right. Confirmation from any brother of yours would be fabulous. Thank you VERY much, Ray.

- SA

-- Sylvia Allen (sylviaa53@yahoo.com), October 27, 2002.

Second brother seems to think it may have been Columbus or Colombo! All he remembers is Freddie's Sandwich Shoppe!

-- Ray H (RayH424@hotmail.com), October 28, 2002.

I just got this information today from my uncle, who was a student at Francisco Junior High in the 1950's. He has a great memory!!!

"I certainly am glad to answer the question!!!!! I remember it like YESTERDAY...Venetian Bakery!

When Elio and I used to go fishing down at the wharfs, we would stop by there at about 6 am and get fresh bread...wonderful!!!! The ladies working in the front room both worked the loaves and waited on customers...they were the nicest, friendliest people. Then we would go to Fred's up the street and get freshly cut salami. The sandwich, without mustard, lettuce, or other camouflage, was out of this world, all washed down with Coke.

I'm glad you made me recall."

-- Grace (catlover1959@hotmail.com), November 05, 2002.

Oh! Venetian Bakery! That was what Ray thought it might be. I am VERY glad to get this information. Grace, thank you very much, and please thank your uncle for me. Thanks, Ray, and Don, also.

I'm writing some stories about growing up in North Beach and just couldn't remember the name of that bakery.

I was telling Ray, Fred's had a sign on the window that said "Fredy's Sandwiches" (spelled that way) so we always called it "Freedy's". Even my parents called it that.

- SA

-- Sylvia Allen (sylviaa53@yahoo.com), November 05, 2002.

Are any of those bakerys still in operation? I am retired now but used to come to San Francisco on business in the sixties and seventies. I would buy the Parisiane bread just before going to the airport and bring it back for our family in the Washington,DC area. Used to wrap it in foil and heat in the ovan. With some butter it was a meal buy its self.

George

-- George (gamarcinkosr@hotmail.com), January 27, 2003.

where could i get those peanut butter & jelly sandwick's that i used to get at walmart ?

those sandwick's company name is : Venetian bakery (Lunch Kit) !

do you know where i could buy a couple case's of : Venetian Bakery (Lunch Kit) peanut butter & jelly sandwick !

PLEASE HELP ME PLEASE !!!!!!!!

Thank You !

-- larry haley (killer_jacks@hotmail.com), June 11, 2003.