The Baker Bringing the World of Bread to Sonoma

Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) is an artist of bread. The Team USA silver medalist at the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie in Paris (2012) has traveled the world perfecting his craft, innovating with new ingredients and concepts for healthy, hearty, and super tasty breads.

You can find Mike and taste his breads at the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market every Friday. Located at Depot Park, just a few short blocks from downtown Sonoma’s historic plaza, the market is a favorite among locals and visitors.

Saunter around and take in the friendly vibes — and the boon of artisan food, drinks, apparel, jewelry, and lots more.

Mike’s setup, known as The Bejker, is a hotspot in more ways than one. There’s the wood-fired oven he regularly stokes for preparing fresh-baked bread. And there’s the long line of people waiting to pick up breads from sweet to savory.

Arrive early; the goods sell quickly, whether it’s Mike’s signature lightly salted fresh pretzels, hearty stone-milled ryes, or any of his vast array of flavorful creations. The delicious olive oil mini cakes are infused with one of his favorite new inspirations — green tea powder — an ode to one of Mike’s favorite drinks, matcha.

Mike has called Sonoma home for the past 20 years. The Midwest native has an affinity for the beautiful weather in Sonoma, as well as the vast outdoors where he can bike, hike, and forage for nature’s edible gifts. A few of his favorite local spots for enjoying the outdoors include Sonoma’s Overlook Trail, located just a block north of the farmer's market.

Many of Mike’s customers do the 2.5-mile round-trip hike on the Overlook Trail before bellying up to his bread stand for some refueling.

Others pick up the bread first, taking it with them to enjoy at the summit of the Overlook, with its expansive panorama of Sonoma Valley — all the way to San Francisco on a clear day. Pro tip: Sunsets up here are magnificent!

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Meet Mike and break artisan bread at The Bejkr wood-fired oven Fridays at the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market (284 First St. W.) and at Sonoma’s popular Tuesday Night Farmers Market (on the historic Sonoma Plaza), held during summer only (May to September).