The Grumpy Baker is so called because of the early mornings and demanding workload he endures - quite fitting when you consider the Gazette couldn't even wrangle him for an interview.
But that's OK, because Michael Cthurmer, the artisan sourdough baker from Sydney, needs little publicity, considering how busy his new Grumpy Baker Bilpin store was on Saturday when the Gazette was in the area.
With more people holidaying 'at home', and with more aware of the support local businesses need after the bushfire damage sustained up in Bilpin, it was pleasing to see the numerous cars in the area on the weekend - supporting both new businesses, and long-term establishments like the Bilpin Fruit Bowl and Hillbilly Cider. Just up the road, Tutti Fruitti was rebuilding.
The Grumpy Baker brand was created in 2002 by Mr Cthurmer as a café and retail bakery on Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, when he found a niche in the market for good, old-fashioned bread - particularly artisan sourdough that was more 'cheesy' and less of a 'vinegar' starter.
The Grumpy Baker has outlets in Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, Coogee, Maroubra, Neutral Bay, Waverton, Castle Cove, Paddington, Marrickville - and now Bilpin.
The bread repertoire includes Traditional Pumpernickel (100 per cent rye, yeast free), Fig and Walnut Sourdough (made with butter and honey), Organic Carrot Loaf, Linseed Soy and 3-Grain, Pugeliese (80 per cent rye, Italian Country Cob), Turkish Bread (with olive oil which bubbles through the bread while baking) along with a range of Baguettes, Ciabatta and more.
The Gazette team can vouch for the plain sourdough.
The Grumpy Baker Bilpin is located at the site of the old Hanlon's general store and petrol station at 2481 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin, Monday to Sunday, 6.30am to 4pm. Call 02 4567 0002.