We were disappointed to find that the Potato and Rosemary Sourdough ($8.00) was unavailable when we visited The Grumpy Baker in Bilpin. After returning, we tried visiting their Sydney CBD store, only to find it randomly closed and unresponsive to inquiries on social media.
By chance, while waiting for a bus outside their Hyde Park location, we managed to pick up a loaf.
The loaf was about 20 cm in diameter and 8 cm in height, with the familiar aroma of potato and rosemary, reminiscent of the version from Bourke Street Bakery, which we have repurchased numerous times. However, while the loaf had a beautiful golden crust, it was very dense and poorly risen upon slicing. This was evident whether eaten fresh or toasted, resulting in an unpleasantly gluggy mouthfeel similar to uncooked bread dough. Toasting thin slices only salvaged the outer part, with the interior retaining the texture and taste of wet dough texture. The distribution of rosemary and potato were lacking, and the pieces of potato we encountered were crunchy and undercooked.
Notwithstanding the potato and rosemary component, poorly baked bread is unforgivable for a bakery. Unsurprisingly, this loaf was not worth repurchasing. We are now assured that the more accessible version from Bourke Street Bakery is the superior product.
The Grumpy Baker is located in Hyde Park at 98 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000.