Introduction to Jane and the Lion Bakehouse
Houston’s popular pop-up chef, Jane Wild, has finally 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 wide range of delicious pies, pastries, breads, and other creations.
The Journey to a Permanent Home
Jane Wild’s journey to a permanent home was facilitated by Morningstar owner David Buehrer, pastry chef Christina Au, and commercial real estate broker Chelsea Padon. Wild had a strong following in the Heights from her time at the Ashe Building and the Heights farmers market, making it the perfect location for her bakery.
The Menu and Ingredients
The bakery’s menu reflects Wild’s passion for using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. The menu includes grab-and-go items such as pies, cookies, sourdough breads, focaccia, biscuits, and more. Prepared items, called Jane’s Pantry, include ingredients used at the cafe, such as 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" is also available, featuring 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 said to be "really incredible" and almost indistinguishable from the wheat-based sourdough.
Beverages and Future Plans
Beverage options include a rotating selection of coffees from local roasters Geva, Little Dreamer, Xela Coffee Roasters, and Amaya. Jane and the Lion will open in three phases, with the current phase offering hours from Thursday to Monday, 8 am-4 pm. Soon, the cafe will be open daily from 7 am-7 pm, and once a new oven is installed, Wild will start serving pizzas and hot sandwiches as well as shareable snack boards.
Conclusion
Jane and the Lion Bakehouse is a dream come true for Chef Jane Wild, who is excited to offer her customers a permanent home to enjoy her delicious creations. With its focus on locally-sourced ingredients, seasonal menu, and welcoming atmosphere, the bakery is sure to become a favorite in the Heights. As Wild says, "In my heart, I’m a chef. To be able to plate and serve and offer the hospitality of being in my space has always been the dream."
