Introduction to Jane and the Lion Bakehouse
One of Houston’s most successful pop-up chefs, Jane Wild, has found a permanent home for her bakery, Jane and the Lion Bakehouse, in the Heights. The bakery is located in the former Morningstar coffee shop at 4721 N. Main St. and offers a daily selection of pies, pastries, breads, and other creations that earned Wild the Best Pop-Up in the 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
The Story Behind the Bakehouse
Wild tells the story of how she was able to move into the new location with the help of Morningstar owner David Buehrer, pastry chef Christina Au, and commercial real estate broker Chelsea Padon. She also has a personal connection to the area, having previously operated a food truck at the Ashe Building and participating in the Heights farmers market. The Heights is a growing area, and Wild is excited to be a part of it.
The Menu and Ingredients
The bakery’s menu reflects Wild’s passion for using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. She works alongside her partner Nathan Christensen, who handles front of house service, her son Maxx Wild, and veteran Houston pastry chef Alyssa Dole. The menu includes grab-and-go items like pies, cookies, sourdough breads, and biscuits, as well as prepared items like grains from Texas-based Barton Springs Mill, local salts, and Texas olive oil. The dine-in selections include sandwiches, toasts, salads, and a vegan breakfast burrito. A daily plate called "The Lion" features a rotating, locally-sourced protein, lacto-pickles, and cheese.
Special Dietary Options
Although the Bakehouse isn’t certified for celiacs, Wild does bake a gluten-free sourdough. She notes that it’s baked before wheat-based doughs to help prevent cross-contamination. The gluten-free sourdough is so good that you wouldn’t know the difference unless you had it side by side with the regular sourdough. Beverage options include a rotating selection of coffees from local roasters Geva, Little Dreamer, Xela Coffee Roasters, and Amaya.
Phased Opening and Future Plans
Jane and the Lion will open in three phases. Currently, the cafe is open Thursday-Monday from 8 am-4 pm. Soon, it will be open daily from 7 am-7 pm. Once a new oven is installed, Wild will start serving pizzas and hot sandwiches as well as shareable snack boards. Wild is excited to finally have a permanent space where she can serve her customers and offer them a welcoming and hospitable experience.
Conclusion
Jane and the Lion Bakehouse is a dream come true for Chef Jane Wild, who has been working towards this moment for a long time. With its focus on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, gluten-free options, and welcoming atmosphere, the bakery is sure to become a favorite among Houston residents. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious pastry, a satisfying sandwich, or a warm and welcoming spot to grab a coffee, Jane and the Lion Bakehouse is the perfect destination.
