Nestled between a gas station and a block of Victorian row houses, Genuine Baking Company takes you by surprise. Located at 4529 Springfield Ave. (one block south of Baltimore), this shops serves up fresh baked goods, piping hot comfort food and refrigerated meals for those on the run.
A glass storefront gives passersby a glimpse of the action from the street — the entire kitchen is visible from the sidewalk. Walk your lunch over to Clark Park or take a seat at one of the outdoor tables and watch the mother-daughter team whip up the day’s menu, the perfect backdrop to a delicious homemade meal. The proprietors are warm and friendly — you probably won’t be able to escape without getting into a conversation with one of them.
Genuine Baking Company is unique in that it has no set menu. The offerings rotate daily and meals are available for a set price of $6.25, not much more than food cart prices. A typical feast consists of a choice between beef or pork ribs and fried chicken, accompanied by green beans, potato salad and a fresh, buttery roll. Tomorrow’s meal could include roast turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots and peas.
If the day’s options don’t thrill you, check the fridge, which is packed to the gills. I chose the barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob to go — lunch and dinner for the day. Barbecue is what Genuine Baking Company is partly known for; on Saturdays — the weekly barbeque date — lines can reach up to 45 minutes long. My chicken did not disappoint — the meat was juicy and the homemade sauce was the perfect combination of tangy and sweet.
In addition to these hearty meals, the shop (as its name would indicate) also doubles as an excellent bakery. Like the meals, the selection is limited and rotates daily, but the brownie I had on my visit was fresh baked, cheap and homey — something I could imagine coming out of my grandmother’s oven.
Genuine Baking Company doesn’t just offer meals to those who come through the door. The owners have made a commitment to providing senior citizens in the neighborhood with cheap, healthy and delicious meals, delivered to right to their homes.
Be forewarned — Genuine Baking Company is not the best choice for vegetarians or for those who hate surprises. As for those who are ready to dig into whatever is put in front of them and value fresh ingredients, cheap food and welcoming service, welcome to your new favorite spot.
Genuine Baking Company 4529 Springfield Ave (215) 382-3133
Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
