Israeli baker Uri Scheft introduced himself to me about two years ago on Facebook. Since that first chat he’s been back and forth to New York, and we’ve talked bread, life and bread. Uri is a constant thinker, always in various time zones, wondering I’m sure what’s going on in Tel Aviv, home of his Lehamim Bakery. This past weekend he’s been in New York working on the opening of Breads Bakery, his latest venture.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the place move from an idea through to its opening. Uri  sent me a message; “come see me, say hello!”  After a lunch shift at my job, I headed down, and he gave me a quick tour around the completed space.

“You’re ready to make some bread?” he asked. Uri was in full swing, rolling and shaping challah, directing the new staff to task, mixing dough and schmoozing between various guests and partners. I, on the other hand got a proper look at shaping challah, as well as gazing at the different loaves. Here is my view.