Of course you do, but incase you need a reminder… the book spoke about finding your passion and gave examples of people who are doing exactly what they love.

So I want to ask you this, “Have you ever seen passion in action?”

I’ve seen people work. I’ve seen people get the job done. But last week was the first time I saw passion in action. So let me introduce you to Uri Scheft, Master Baker of Breads Bakery on 16th Street (b/t Broadway and 5th Avenue).

FIVE THINGS ABOUT URI:

• Born in Isreal
• Danish Descent
• Grew Up in Israel and Denmark
• Owns a Famous Baked called Lehamim (Translation: Breads) in Tel Aviv
• Practices Bikram Yoga

GETTING TO KNOW URI: I recently had the opportunity to take a private workshop with Chef Uri at his Union Square Breads Bakery kitchen with three other NYC food writers.

Uri welcomed all four of us into his kitchen  (his very large kitchen with industrial-sized appliances), to make challah and foccacia from scratch.

As I watched him knead the challah dough on his stainless steel table, I was mesmerized by how much passion was going into his bread. He wasn’t just rolling flour into a ball; he was manipulating the gluten to the exact size, shape, and texture he desired.

I thought to myself, this is what passion looks like. This is why his bread sets him apart from the others.

As he was kneading, he explained that bread-making is his form of meditation, active meditation; like yoga, all of his physical energy and attention was going into that piece of dough… and as a result, it makes him feel happy and relaxed.

You can check out my dough making videos on Vine and photos on Instagram/Facebook!

WHAT WE MADE:

From the beginning of the workshop, Uri said we were going to use traditional doughs in different ways… and when you’re in a kitchen lead by a Master Baker and four curious food writers, creativity ensues.

• Traditional Challah Loaves with a Twist
• Challah Rolls
• Carrot & Raisin Rolls (Impromptu)
• Marzipan & Chocolate Buns (Impromptu)
• Focaccia Bread with Toppings Galore!

OVERALL: I left that kitchen inspired.

Uri is a wonderful teacher. He gave all four of us the opportunity to bake in his kitchen, just to see what life is like for him behind the counter. As he shared his passion for bread making, he allowed us to work with the dough, braid challah, and decorate focaccia. During the downtime while we waited for our dough to rise, Uri showed us a variety of ways to utilize his traditional challah dough into other treats- rolls, pizza, flatbread, the works. I can honestly say that Uri left us feeling like accomplished bread makers.

BAKING BREAD WITH URI:

• For those of you who are not in NYC, Uri told us that he has a book coming out soon! It was just sent to the publishers so be on the look out once it hits shelves.
• As for bread making classes, Uri has been teaching his craft in Tel Aviv for years, but this was the first bread making class in NYC (pilot program is running now)! So make sure to book your reservation as soon as the classes hit their website; I can guarantee that he will turn you into an outstanding bread maker with the flip of a Kitchen Aid and the heel of your hand.

For now, enjoy his creations at Breads Bakery on 16th Street b/t Broadway and 5th Avenue

I refuse to let you buy bread, pastries, rolls (and-pretty-much-anything-that-involves-gluten) from your local Whole Foods (supermarket) without knowing Breads Bakery has opened in Union Square.

Seriously, put down that semi-fresh baguette and take the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q,or R train to Union Square for straight-out-of-the-oven, artisanal baked goods.

I repeat, Breads Bakery has opened shop and it will be worth the 20 minute commute from wherever you are to 16th Street (between Broadway & 5th Avenue).

Known for their babkas, sourdoughs, and rugelachs, Breads Bakery has been winning over New Yorkers with their sweet and savory creations every day since their grand opening three short months ago.

With origins in Tel Aviv, Master Baker Uri Scheft has personally brought his craft over to our fair city; and as a New Yorker, I feel honored to have direct access to Chef Uri’s quality breads which are made fresh on premise and sold at reasonable prices.

SIDE NOTE: I know I can get fresh bread in NYC, and yes there’s Balthazar in SoHo, Eric Kayser on the Upper East Side, and an Amy’s Bread here and there; but the size, space, and convenient location of Breads Bakery makes Breads so much more appealing to me.

Personally, I found out about Breads Bakery last month by a LML Reader in Milan, Italy and did not realize I had been missing out on this new establishment every single day, for the past three months, by one measely avenue. At first the bypass wasn’t big deal, but as soon as I entered the bakery and tasted their crossiants, cinnamon buns and babka… the remorse was overwhelming. I still think to myself, “If only I had a reason to cut through 16th Street….I would’ve smelled the babka…”

So please learn from my error and go to Breads Bakery for their quality sourdoughs, fresh-out-of-the-oven almond crossiants, muesli rolls, olive sticks, challah loafs, chocolate babka and sandwiches.

Oh and as someone who has experienced 30 minute lunch/dinner breaks in Union Square, Breads Bakery will be your saving grace… they even have sweet and savory specials too… just make sure to order quickly, otherwise I’ll regret telling you about this place.

XO, LML

PS: Open 7 Days A Week: MON-FRI – 7am – 8pm  SAT-SUN – 8am – 8pm

PPS: I will be writing about my bread-making experience with Uri Scheft following this post, so stay tuned!

Hosted by SELF Magazine, Workout in the Park is a full day of fitness, pampering, consultations, and giveaways! SELF celebrates its 20th Workout in the Park this year and is hosting the event in NYC, Chicago and Washington DC!

RELATIONSHIP WITH SELF: I started with SELF as a freelance model when I was in college. And if I was in the country, I always attended the annual Workout in the Park Event in NYC. Aside from NY, I’ve also attended Workout in the Park San Francisco and this year I will be at the Workout in the Park Chicago on June 3rd!

NYC SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• 9:30am: I arrived in Central Park to model with all of the sponsor tents for SELF Magazine!
• 11:00am: The park opened to the public and I started off the event by practicing yoga in the quiet zone with Taj for Sun Salutations.
• 11:30am: I picked up a ton of swag from LeSportsac (purses), Keurig (waterbottle), Skinnygirl (treats), Garnier (eye pillow), Reebok (socks) and many more!
• 12:15pm: I was introduced to Event Emcee Danielle Monaro of Z100 and Bethenny Frankel of Skinnygirl Daily #HOLLA

OVERALL: Sweat, smiles, and swag!

The morning of the event, I honestly thought we were going to get caught in a downpour, but the rain clouds really pulled through- they held in the rain and spit out every last drop at 4pm when the event was cleared out (…I kid you not). With that said, SELF Workout in the Park NYC was a success! I had a blast modeling in the morning, working out with the Crunch instructors, and hanging out with Bethenny and Danielle. Looking forward to attending Chicago Workout in the Park on June 3rd this year so I can exercise with the Pound Girls and the Masala Bhaga crew! #YAY