Big Sur Bakery fire leaves a grieving community.
“It was a day or two after Rocky Creek fell apart and Sydney and I were reviewing what we had in the house to eat. Bread was the only shortage so when we were down on the empty highway, we went searching. First stop was the Bakery with not a soul in sight. The door unlocked and opened as I approached. Mike Gilson, “We’re closed, but not for you”. Empty shelf’s obvious, I mentioned bread, feeling foolish but, “No, no” and I followed him to a small freezer and he pulled out two loaves giving me a verbal tour of their attributes as he did. I suggested the plain sourdough but he insisted I take the seeded sourdough and so as a compromise he handed me both and refused payment.
At home, partially thawed, the loaves were halved, one for the counter, three in the freezer. Thick, one inch slices, in the toaster, butter and strawberry jam. Mike was right about the specialness of the seeded bread but I wasn’t wrong about the plain.
Yesterday the Bakery burned to a shell. Today I had the last heel of the last loaf, thinking about Mike and kindness and grief.”
Steve Beck
What a lovely tribute to a fine baker in a fine bakery, a must stop on any trip down the coast. I grieve, as many others do, for another Big Sur loss. RIP Big Sur Bakery.
Thank you for sharing such a tender moment. I’ve always felt amazingness from Mike. My heart goes out to him and the community for such a grave loss 😞
Thank you for sharing your story. Beautiful. Real. Heartbreaking yet hopeful 🙏🏼
Has a Go Fund Me been set up as yet?
Not yet although others have offered. We are waiting on Mike
Fond memory from a few years back: A “Bakery” motif sticker on an official Hwy 1 “miles to Big Sur” northbound sign. Loved seeing that as I drove from Esalen to get an almond croissant for Joe & enjoy a strong – don’t dare ask for just one shot of espresso! – latte. The Bakery was a welcome respite from my time working at Esalen. Thank you for two decades of excellent food, welcome and beauty. I look forward to sitting under that gorgeous camellia tree again, hoping & trusting they can re-build.
So very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with this amazing man and his family. 😔💖🙏🏼
Many wonderful memories of the Bakery over many many years. We went there when we were first vacationing in Big Sur in the 80’s. Now as residents, it was always a place to stop for mochas or lunches. Sad, sad, a great shame. Great hopes that he can rebuild.
How many loaves of bread? How many croissants? How many pieces of banana nut bread? How many coffees and hot cocoa? How many trips to their iconic outhouse? How many snacks sitting under the trees? How many thoughts of “can’t wait to get to the bakery?” Moments in my life that I will always cherish. It seems that the locations I hold dear in Big Sur are like rose petals falling off a beautiful blossom.
So Poignant and so very typical of the giving of the B ig Sur community.
this is numbing to my core..other then my feelings & history about the Sur & coast, this is entirely surreal. Kind of like the slow transition of Carmel Valley being turned into a food/drink pavilion. Reminds me of the demise of Cannery Row as well. What’s left of the sacred..? Little bits and fragments..from succulents to croissant’s ..The best about being an elder are fond memories🎈
One of my favorite places in the whole wide world. Have never had a bad batch of scones from the cookbook recipe and all the mugs I’ve bought there are the favorites. Such a pinnacle spot for the community. Will be watching for ways to contribute to restoration 🙏💙🌸
We were there looking at botanic succulents with a wonderful woman taking us around even though the garden was closed. The Bakery was closed. We got gas. Minutes later I saw the smoke as we travelled south searching for beach access.
How can we help?
Donate to the Community Foundation of Monterey Peninsula and designate the donation to either Big Sur Bakery specifically or to the Big Sur Community as a whole. Many places were closed after the Rocky Creek slip out and employees lost work, so that is the suggestion
My nieces spent countless hours of their childhood exploring the magic of the garden. They would dance in delight from each sip of the bakeries chai lattes made from such care and kindness. We are heartbroken💔
I remember the early morning coastal fog laying in the Big Sur valley. My mother and I would wake early and walk to the bakery bundled against the brisk air. The smell of wet redwoods and fresh humus dancing around us as we followed the 1 towards our destination.
A smile would greet us as we entered the warm rustic entry of the bakery. Shelves abounded with bread, pastry, and quiche. We would return the smile and make small talk before ordering a morning bun, croissant, and coffee.
We would eat outside. I wiped down dew covered chairs while mom added cream to the coffee, stirring it to a warm caramel color.
The importance of place in memory. I learn that the Big Sur bakery burned down on Friday.
I reflect on the kindness and good a place can create for so many.
What a great story! Thank you!