A landmark moment for the Austin pastry scene is on the horizon as Amanda Rockman, a celebrated local pastry chef, is slated to open her very own bakery, Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop, in the city's Holly neighborhood. According to Eater Austin, Rockman will swing open the bakery's doors at 2400 East Cesar Chavez Street, Suite 200 starting Friday, October 11. Rockman brings over nine years of experience as the head of New Waterloo Hospitality's pastry program and adds a unique angle to her establishment with a motto, “caffeine, gluten, sugar, butter, and booze.”
Not ones to be left out of the circle on the newest sweet spots, MySA reports that Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop will be nestled between the local favorite Juan in a Million and Italian hotspot Juniper. Notably, Rockman was recognized in the semifinals for a James Beard Award in 2015 and has graced television screens on "Top Chef: Just Desserts" and "Beat Bobby Flay." She recently took to Instagram to express her journey, stating, “I had no idea how hard the last three years were going to be when I signed the lease...But here she is- ROCKMAN Coffee + Bakeshop. I could cry.”
Rockman's establishment promises to offer a varied and indulgent menu featuring everything from flaky croissants both sweet — think churro croissants dusted in cinnamon sugar and lemon meringue with flamed meringue topping — to savory choices such as the ham-cheese-mustard croissant. Weekend patrons can look forward to specials like the strawberry cheesecake croissant, reported Eater Austin. Aside from baked goods, there's a range from bagels with schmears to ricotta, tomatoes, and olives focaccia sandwiches.
When it comes to beverages, this bakery aims to be just as experimental. Patrons will have the chance to either pick a cocktail by the glass or carafe — like the Rockman Shandy or the Sammy Sunrise — or grab nonalcoholic options such as coffee and tea. Eater Austin noted that the brewery collaborations will include drafts from Live Oak Brewing and Zilker Brewing Co., in addition to a wine selection. The bakery also plans to include a pickup window to be unveiled in a couple of weeks for those looking to quickly grab their treats.
Designed by Rockman and architect Bengie Daniels from Latitude Architects firm, the counter-service space will feature indoor seating options that span from bar stools and high-tops to a lounge, complete with a kitchen window for customers to observe the bakers at work. Initial operation hours for Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop's first week are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October 11 through October 14, reopening again on October 16, with a minor adjustment in start times during weekdays, opening at 7 a.m. Patrons can place takeout orders in person or online, plus there will be dine-in areas inside the bakery, according to Eater Austin.
