A Passion for Baking: Old World Breads
Early customers can often find Chef Keith Irwin cutting rosemary from bushes at his Old World Breads bakery in Lewes, Delaware. Over the last six years he’s made a name for himself by using fresh ingredients, organic flour, regional products and a passion for baking.
The Culinary Institute of America graduate has been growing and expanding his offerings to include more than 20 kinds of European-style artisan bread (including challah for the holidays), six homemade soups and a wide selection of cheeses. The shop offers a wide selection of sandwiches and regional products such as Kombucha from Federal Brewing, produce from Weathered Eye Farm, and honey from Stag Run Farm. But why open this type of bakery in an industrial building?
“The area had a need for it,” Irwin notes. “I have worked as a chef for 25 years, and most restaurants serve the same items; there were few options. I wanted to branch out, provide more choices and be more of a pastry chef.”.
That passion is clear with just one glance at the bread and pastry case. Each item’s tag lists the product name, price and ingredients. Keith plans each day’s offerings with his wife and partner Trish (who he calls “hospitality extraordinaire”) and has always followed the seasons, “long before ‘farm-to-table’ was a thing.” Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also on the menu.
Irwin’s teenage daughter Riley pulled up to drop off a corporate order before the start of her day at Cape Henlopen High School. After checking details, Keith shared that last week a dental group ordered 29 trays of pastry in order to thank their patients.
As two shoppers head with bags toward the Lewes Bike Path that runs alongside the bakery, Keith mentions that even with COVID-19, the location has been a benefit. “Bikers and walkers stop in here all day long.”
Thanksgiving is the next big event, when the bakery’s pies and breads are in huge demand. “Thanksgiving orders need to be in the week before,” Keith notes.
On a recent morning, regulars walk into the bakery, warmly greeted by staff who often ask, “The regular?” Longtime customer Carol Smith of Milton said it’s her “go-to, especially if we are having company,” for oversized soft pretzels, chicken pot pies and quiches. She left with a loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread and danishes, noting, “It’s the best bakery, ever.”
32191 Nassau Rd, Lewes, Delaware
(302) 313-5191
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Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday 7AM – 1PM*
Friday – Sunday 7AM – 2PM*
Closed Monday
*or until the bread runs out!
At Fall Farmers Markets: Rehoboth Beach and Historic Lewes
