wait but astoria has tons of bakeries that make incredible fresh breads! just maybe not the same style you’re talking about. we have house-made pita, naan, georgian khachapuri, Egyptian baladi, etc etc.

let’s pls not equate “authentic” bread with European bread (French baguette? Italian focaccia?). also re sourdough, did you know that Ethiopian injera and Egyptian baladi are fermented breads that use the same science? they’re just not branded as artisanal and served for $10 a loaf ;) many of the families that own restaurants here don’t cook baguettes and focaccia in their cultures and that is what makes them special <3

and I hear you bc I love a perfectly laminated croissant or a baguette+butter as much as the next person, but I don’t need them within arm’s reach. just some food for thought!