Lawson's Bakery - what a find in Morgan Hill!
I went because I'd heard about the pastries (Lemon Bars, Beignets, etc) but was pleasantly surprised to find they serve Breakfast burritos until 2 daily. As I came hungry (on purpose) I splurged on all the aforementioned items. Yes - I am a Bakery snob and am ALWAYS looking for the best places wherever I go (I went an hour out of my way to make it to Lawson's on this particular trip).
I hate to put so much praise into one business, but I have no choice - everything I had was amazing!
The Breakfast Burrito was well outside of the ordinary. I don't know what they are adding to the mix of eggs and normal ingredients you'd find in one of these everywhere else, but it is uncommonly good. Even the tortilla seemed to be perfectly prepared in order to allow you to get at the moist and mouth-watering interior without getting in the way (you know how the ends of a burrito can be mostly tortilla - not this one!). Truly the best I've had - and that's saying something!
The beignets were, simply put, to die for. The only comparison I can make here is a more tasteful, less overly-sugary Krisy-Kreme doughnut right out of the oven. If you've ever experienced the way one of those can melt in your mouth, then you've had HALF the experience I just had yesterday when the owner brought a batch over to me and my friend. I had heard of these, but was just expecting fancy doughnut holes. No no, my friends - these little beauties are not food - they are an EXPERIENCE! Make a point of getting some when you go...
The lemon bars. First of all, they are a family recipe, apparently, and a highly guarded secret and awesome addition to your dessert options if you are ever south of San Jose. Imported all the way from Sacramento only once a week, these bars do not last long and I was lucky enough to grab the LAST ONE on the day I came in. Thank goodness I wasn't 10 minutes later because I would have missed out on its impressive and locally legendary taste.
I was going to make those purchases and go, but then the bread pudding caught my eye. I've been striking out pretty badly on bread pudding of late. Not many places offer it, and when you find it at a restaurant it's usually soggy, overly sweet, and really not a "go-to" dessert item. But, again - bakery snob - and so I gave the bread pudding a try here at Lawson's. Predictably... the owner and head chef Jeff Lawson NAILED IT. All the texture I've come to hope for, but never find anymore, AND not overly sweet or filling. I ended up having my piece (a sizable portion!) for lunch later. I'll gladly run the extra mile or two later for the treat of finding a REAL bread pudding in this gem of a find in Morgan Hill.
This family owned and run business really hits it out of the park with their impressive array of goodies and good old fashioned customer service and hospitality. I got to talk to both owners during my brief stay there and really enjoyed these genuine and wonderful people.
So the next time you're anywhere near Morgan Hill, you MUST drop by Lawson'e Bakery and sample all the good stuff they have to offer. It will be time well spent.
Oh, and when you go, pass right by Starbuck's on your way because their coffee is comparable in price without the precious bitter/burnt taste so many of us have come to appreciate less and less over time. If you want a coffee to enjoy with your pastries and conversation - they've got you covered on that angle as well! read more