Boulon 'Barkery's' Bark Bites To Benefit Humane Society Of Tampa

TAMPA, FL — When Next Level Brands opened Boulon Bakery in the spring, Executive Pastry Chef Summer Bailey knew immediately that she wanted to offer treats to dogs, too.

“Once our bakery opened,” Bailey said, “it reminded me so much of my time in New York City, seeing all the foot-traffic along Water Street. And, in addition to the people, almost everyone has a four-legged friend with them.”

She started creating dog treats, and allowing the pets passing by on Water Street to be taste-testers. The treats featuring ingredients like peanut butter, bacon and bananas were well-received, she said.

“The tails were wagging, so we began brainstorming how we could incorporate the dog treats into the everyday offerings at the bakery,"Bailey said.

As a result, Boulon Bakery will begin offering these treats beginning on National Dog Day, Saturday, Aug. 26. The three for $5 treats will stay available during regular Boulon Bakery hours and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, which offers safe shelter and care for homeless animals in the area.

Bailey studied at the French Culinary Institute and has worked with the likes of Christina Tosi of Momofuku’s MilkBar and Andrew Carmellini at The Dutch in New York.

“When people come to Boulon Bakery, we want to serve them a delicious treat,” she said. “And we felt like our doggie neighbors deserved the same treatment.”

Next Level Brands, a partnership between restaurateur Jeff Gigante; real estate entrepreneur Andrew Wright and attorney/investor Joseph Guggino, opened the Boulon Bakery within their Water Street district anchor concept, Boulon Brasserie, at 1001 Water St., in March.

Inspired by a traditional French pâtisserie, the bakery is open Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and serves a variety of pastries, breads and sandwiches along with local made-to-order Drink Katy’s coffees and teas.

Bailey was recruited to lead the sweet side of the restaurant operation as well as the bakery. She joined the Next Level Brands restaurant group in October, and was part of Boulon Brasserie’s opening team in January.

“There are so many sweet and savory options to give guests a morning pick-me-up or to carry them into their afternoon,” said Bailey. “The menu is focused and delicious, but I confess that I'm slightly partial to the blueberry corn muffin and tomato mozzarella and basil baguette.”

Bailey’s creations have been celebrated nationally, with her work featured in media outlets like Vogue, Real Simple and Food & Wine Magazine.

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Menu options include a selection of five, baked–fresh-daily loaves for $6 each; Madeleines (three for $5), a rotating cookie option ($3), a blueberry corn uuffin ($5) and a coconut macaroon ($3) from the pastries section, and a berry and granola parfait ($6).

Additionally, the bakery offers four hand-rolled croissants with a balance of sweet and savory flavors including butter ($5), chocolate ($6), ham and brie ($7) and bacon, egg and gruyère ($8).

Baguette sandwiches include the traditional three-ingredient French delight ham and butter (jambon beurre), the tomato mozzarella and basil, and a meat-free Impossible Sausage, Egg White and Cheddar English Muffin ($8).

An assortment of hot teas, flavored coffees, hot chocolate and organic juices are also available.

Eventually, Bailey also plans to offer house-made jams, gluten-free treats and vegan-friendly items.

Boulon Brasserie

Meanwhile, foodies has been flocking to Boulon Brasserie, headed by Executive Chef Habteab "Hab" Hamde, since its opening in January.

Hamde, who has made appearances on The Food Network and The Cooking Channel as well as "Every Day with Rachael Ray" and the "Today Show," came to Tampa in 1983 and became affectionately known as “Hab” during his lengthy tenure at the iconic Bern’s Steak House.

Located on the ground floor of the Thousand & One office tower, the 7,097-square-foot restaurant space was designed by award-winning architects Atelier Zebulon Perron.

An extensive menu, described as “French by way of America," focuses on locally sourced ingredients, freshly caught seafood and modern interpretations of classic French preparations, accompanied by crafts cocktails, craft beers from local breweries Cigar City and Coppertail Brewing; and a curated selection of fine wines.

Click here for reservations.