Flour Water Salt Bread

- 53 East Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840

Flour Water Salt Bread has established itself as a premier destination for artisanal baked goods in Fairfield County, bringing its celebrated craftsmanship to the heart of New Canaan, Connecticut. Described as "a fully sourdough American interpretation of a traditional French boulangerie," the bakery stands out by making virtually all its products—from rustic loaves to delicate pastries—using a natural, wild-yeast sourdough culture. This dedication to authentic, naturally leavened baking is what loyal customers frequently credit for producing the "most delicious bread and pastries in the area."

The philosophy of owner Robert VanKeuren and his passionate team is simple: return to the basics. The bakery uses only easily pronounced, natural ingredients, including high-quality, organic, and regionally sourced flours. This contrasts sharply with commercial sourdoughs, offering a product that is not only rich in complex flavor but also often better tolerated due to its low glycemic index and easier digestibility. The commitment to quality over speed is evident in every loaf, which is shaped by hand and allowed to ferment naturally.

While the classic Sourdough Loaf is the foundation, Flour Water Salt Bread provides a comprehensive menu that delights Connecticut diners with a variety of breads, pastries, and savory options. The atmosphere in the cozy, brightly lit shop, combined with the "super friendly" staff, makes every visit a pleasant experience, even if a short wait is necessary—a wait customers overwhelmingly agree is "100% worth the wait."

Location and Accessibility

The New Canaan location of Flour Water Salt Bread is centrally positioned at 53 East Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840. This puts it right in the middle of the lively downtown area, making it easily accessible for local residents, especially those looking for a quick and high-quality breakfast or lunch option.

The shop’s location is convenient for a quick stop-in, which is its primary service model. While it is located in a downtown commercial area, the overall accessibility of the bakery ensures a comfortable experience for all patrons:

• The bakery is situated on a main avenue, making it easy to find.
• Though not explicitly detailed, the downtown New Canaan location generally offers both paid parking lots and street parking options nearby for customer convenience.
• The business is open six days a week, typically from Tuesday through Saturday, serving the morning and early afternoon crowd.

The bakery fosters a strong sense of community, with the team making customers feel welcomed and connected to the people who craft their food. This focus on local engagement, combined with the central location, solidifies its role as a signature eatery in New Canaan.

Services Offered

Flour Water Salt Bread provides a focused set of services centered around high-quality, fresh-baked goods and the convenience of its clientele:

• Daily In-Store Sales: Offering fresh-baked breads, pastries, and other goods daily during operating hours (typically 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday).
• Online Pre-Ordering: Customers can pre-order online to ensure they secure their favorite items, which is often recommended, as popular items can sell out quickly, especially the bread.
• Takeaway and Quick Visit: The service is designed for a quick visit and easy takeaway, allowing customers to efficiently grab their morning coffee and baked goods.
• Hot Bagel Service: The New Canaan location specifically offers a hot bagel service, where customers can order fresh sourdough bagels toasted and served with either premium cultured butter or house-made schmear.
• Coffee Service: Serving excellent barista-made Ambrosia Coffee, complete with the option of local milk or various plant-based alternatives, providing a complete morning ritual.
• Take & Bake Items: Offering a selection of frozen goods for baking at home, including Take and Bake Plain Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and various Sourdough Pizza options, providing maximum convenience.

Features / Highlights

The bakery’s unique focus on traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients results in several distinct highlights that draw customers from across Connecticut:

• 100% Naturally Leavened Sourdough: All breads, including the classic Sourdough Loaf, Whole Wheat Sourdough, and the large format Sourdough Miche, are naturally leavened without commercial yeast. This process results in a complex flavor, a dark, crusty exterior, and a fluffy, open interior crumb.
• Exquisite Laminated Pastries: The bakery is highly praised for its French-style laminated pastries, all made with 82% European butter and a rigorous 16-layer process. Must-try items include the classic Croissant, Pain au Chocolat, and the unique, beloved Kouign-Amann—a "salted caramel croissant muffin."
• Premium Ingredients Commitment: The baker uses high-quality ingredients such as King Arthur flour and locally/regionally sourced organic flours. The products contain "no conditioners, no preservatives," aligning with a focus on simple, natural food.
• Unique Baked Treats: Beyond the bread, the shop is known for specialty items like the Bomboloni (Italian fried brioche donuts), Cardamom Buns, and the Brown Butter Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies, offering an indulgence for every palate.
• Full Meal Offerings: The menu extends to savory items, including Ham and Comte Croissants, Sandwich Loaves designed for soft crusts, and various take-and-bake meals, making it suitable for more than just breakfast.
• High Service Quality: Patrons consistently call out the friendly, food-obsessed staff and the excellent customer service, which includes offering samples and guidance to new customers.

Contact Information

To experience the renowned artisanal breads and pastries, please use the contact information below:

Address: 53 East Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840

Phone: Note: The phone number for the New Canaan location is not explicitly listed in the provided data, but it is a multi-location business known for its online ordering and in-store service.

What is Worth Choosing Flour Water Salt Bread

For discerning Connecticut customers, choosing Flour Water Salt Bread is choosing unparalleled quality in artisan baking. This is the bakery to select when you prioritize taste, traditional methods, and clean ingredients. What makes it worth the choice is its unwavering commitment to 100% naturally leavened sourdough for virtually every product, a technique that requires significantly more time and skill than conventional baking but yields an undeniably superior result. This is highlighted by customer reviews that compare the quality favorably to legendary bakeries elsewhere.

While some reviewers note the higher price point—reflecting the premium ingredients and labor-intensive process—the consensus is that the product justifies the cost. If you are in New Canaan and seeking the best possible version of a croissant, a unique Kouign-Amann, or a dense, flavorful loaf of Whole Wheat Sourdough that can elevate any meal, Flour Water Salt Bread is a definitive must-visit destination in the Connecticut food scene.

Flour Water Salt Bread

53 East Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA