The original, Upper East Side location of this century-old bakery stocks "carefully curated items to enjoy with our breads." At the newer, larger Upper West location, which also offers a coffee menu and a seating area, many suggested pairings have already been put into practice — no assembly required. To wit: fig-and-ricotta toast ($6) on multigrain bread "with a dash of honey."
Previously: A full loaf of the massive "levain locale" would tip the scales at more than six pounds. My wedge (about a pound, $5) provided the armature for not a few sandwiches, though I confess to eating several slices straight up. The levain, baked in a limited edition for the New Amsterdam Market (now closed) and risen through "100 percent natural fermentation," had a rapturous sour flavor.
Orwashers Bakery
440 Amsterdam Ave. (at West 81st St.), Manhattan
646-461-7929
Also at 308 East 78th St. (First-Second Aves.)
212-288-6569
www.Orwashers.com
