NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

Meet Mike Zakowski, One of California's Top Artisan Bread Makers

01.22.2026
Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Meet Mike Zakowski—Team USA silver medalist at the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie in Paris—who’s spent years traveling the globe in pursuit of seriously good bread. Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

Weekend Sherpa
Hidden Sonoma Hike with Mike the Baker | Walkin’ & Talkin’

You can find Mike and 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. His inspiration comes from his love of Sonoma and his world travels, including France and Japan.

Mike Zakowski, The Bejkr, at the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market

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.

A display of artisan breads by Mike the Baker at the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market in Sonoma

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.

A woman stands atop the summit of Sonoma Overlook Trail, with the sun setting over the valley in the distance

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!

Mike the Baker and Brad Day publisher at Weekend Sherpa, hanging out in front of the wood-fired oven used by Mike (aka The Bejkr) to make fresh artisan breads at the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmer's Market

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).

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