I frequently walk on Pacific Coast Hwy and was surprised to see Krust, a bakery, still in business. I checked their website on a whim, and my jaw dropped when I saw the extensive and inviting menu. In addition, they close later, which means that they fixed their ability to produce enough goods.
A couple of years ago, I visited Krust and thought the baked goods were average and didn’t have the flakey exterior I enjoy. After that, I dropped by a couple of times and was dismayed at the lack of baked goods available.
After seeing their website, I visited them. The ownership changed, and the new owner renovated the interior and expanded into the next property. This additional space afforded them a dining area away from their retail operation. They also added a large display case to showcase more of their goods.
The new owner originally left menu items unchanged, listened to the feedback, and gradually introduced new items. The menu sports an international flair with bomboloni donuts, caprese and bulgogi sandwiches, and scratch-made quiches.
The quiches reflect the quality and the dedication to the craft. The crust is firm, and it effectively keeps the shape of the quiche. The Quiche Lorraine ($10) contains gruyere, bacon, and caramelized onions. The Spinach and Feta ($7.50) was equally tasty.
I’m used to seeing caprese sandwiches on a French baguette. Krust serves their caprese open-face ($12) over fresh-baked ciabatta drizzled with balsamic. Because it is open-face, you immediately smell the aroma of balsamic. The best part of the sandwich is the bread. Their ciabatta has a crunchy exterior and is soft inside and firm enough not to fall apart.
Certain items aren’t on the menu, such as their “pie of the month.” The four berries pie ($9.50) includes fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries. Oatmeal appears to be the topping making it much like an oatmeal cookie.
Krust has a full suite of espresso, tea, hot chocolate, and their house specialty drinks. Customers on special diets will appreciate the milk options of soy, almond, and oat milk.
Krust, 1300 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.540.6100; krustbakerycafe.com