What’s Baking in the East Village?

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Yes, we love Izola for its zillion-layer butter croissants. But we’re also gaga over the latest East Village bakeshop located a few blocks away called Relic Bakery & Kitchen, where the sweet and savory offerings are equally guilt-inducing.

Located within the glassy Spaces Maker’s Quarter building on 15th near F Street, the business is the brainchild of baking maven Samantha Bird and chef Derek Haddem. The duo met several years ago while working for Herb & Wood in Little Italy, and both had already honed their talents in other notable kitchens in years prior.

Bird set the foundation for the business during the pandemic from her North Park apartment. She then joined up with Haddem to start a successful pop-up and wholesale bakery run out of a Miramar kitchen.

At Relic, which is their first actual storefront and with ample seating, the bill of fare ranges from lemon-poppyseed “financiers” and sourdough English muffins to hearty sandwiches, baked charcuterie croissants and other pastries complemented with seasonal ingredients and crafty sauces.

Adhering to the vibe of a modern cafe, their menu extends to coffee drinks, teas, fresh juices and wines as well.