On the Market.

On the Rise Bread Company, a friendly and always toasty little bakery and eatery in one, offers the absolute best bread in the country. Okay, well, maybe not in the entire country, but it’s got to be a front runner. Popular with local downtown restaurants as a supplier of tasty baguettes, On the Rise offers traditional European style breads to consumers and businesses alike. This style of bread eliminates the oil, fat, and sugar found in most American breads, giving it a crusty outside and mmm… a soft, tender inside. It’s made as most European breads are with a combination of only flour, water, yeast, and salt. And, just to stay true to Old World European traditions, On the Rise uses fine baking equipment that has been imported from both France and Italy.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, On the Rise offers a wide selection of breads which include the following: French Country Sourdough, Sourdough, Baguette, Raisin Walnut, Rosemary Sourdough, Olive Sourdough, Russian Rye, Yeasted Dinner Rolls, Honey Whole Wheat, Swiss Seven Grain, Semolina, New York Jewish Rye, Cinnamon Raisin, Buttermilk Sandwich, Yeasted Baguette, French Batard, Italian, and even Oatmeal Raisin and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies.

My son and I both have a favorite bread, which is their amazing Alexander Roll. Bigger than just a roll, the size of the Alexander Roll is closer to loaf size, and for just pennies over a dollar, it makes a great snack for the both of us Saturdays on the Market. My son and husband also enjoy their New York Jewish Rye bread, which they both devoured for lunch this past Saturday with a jar of Salsa con Queso from Sumdat Farm. They of course had the option of eating anywhere on the market, including the International Food Court located inside the City Market Building, but boys will be boys, and they preferred the bread. It’s really just that good. If you plan to pick up a loaf for yourself though, especially if it’s on a Saturday, get there early. They tend to sell out quickly at the end of the week.

So, I suppose I did mention that this sweet little spot was also an eatery. Well, it is, and it’s not just because my boys can make a meal out of a bread loaf. On the Rise serves a simple, yet hearty lunch consisting of pizza and subs. The pizza is sold by the slice with vegetarian toppings to blow your mind. Portabella mushrooms, feta, and grilled tomatoes are common friends with this Chicago style pizza’s thick crust. And what a crust it is. All of the other pizza joints could probably triple their business if they just had this crust recipe. If you want pizza though, plan to eat early. It sells out quickly no matter what day of the week it is. The subs, available Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 2pm only, come served on a fresh baquette with romaine, lettuce, tomatoes, cherry peppers, garlic vinagrette, and scallion mayonnaise. You get your choice of Italian, Ham and Swiss, Turkey and Provalone, or Two Cheese Veggie. And, while you eat, you can also enjoy the local artwork for sale that often adorns their rustic, exposed brick walls.

On the Rise is located at 303 Market St. in downtown Roanoke, VA. But if that’s not convenient for you, you can also find their breads at Natural Foods Coop in Roanoke, Annie Kays and Vintage Cellar in Blacksburg, Cocoa Mill and Washington St. Purveyor in Lexington, as well as Harvest Moon in Floyd. Well, what are you waiting for? Stop gawking at the computer and go buy some bread already!