The holiday season has brought back a fan-favorite to the Bay Area as the limited-time pop-up, Namesday Bakeshop, run by chef Alex Lovick, has been seeing its panettone fly off the shelves. Lovick, who normally helms the kitchen at Inglenook winery in Rutherford, transforms into the artisanal baker behind the sought-after Italian breads during this festive time. According to SF Eater, his creations are selling out swiftly, with customers eager to pick up their orders directly from the chef or find them stocked at selective retail partners like A16 in San Francisco and Hudson Greens and Goods in Napa.
Lovick's dedication to the craft of panettone-making is evident in the meticulous process that takes up to three days for each loaf. Namesday Bakeshop's limited production adds an element of exclusivity to the traditional holiday treat, and those initiated in the secret have been quick to scoop up the delectable goods. "It was a bit of madness, to be honest,” Lovick told SF Eater. His passion for panettone has translated into a booming seasonal business, with customers asserting that the flavors take them back to their childhoods in Italy.
Lovick's repertoire this year includes a classic panettone dotted with candied orange and raisins, and a tempting triple chocolate version for those with a sweet tooth. Despite the labor-intensive process, the baker's efforts seem to have paid off, with A16 proudly announcing on Instagram, "We are honored to be the only San Francisco location offering these obsession-worthy treats."
While Lovick also bakes other goods for various holidays, the panettone has made a name for him, with Namesday Bakeshop only offering these treats around the holidays to maintain their special allure. "I appreciate the fact that, myself included, people wait all year until this four-week time — to me that really maintains it as something special and something to look forward to," he explained in an interview with SF Eater.
