hey, there- i'm (potentially) a newcomer to the philadelphia area and am preemptively scouting out bakery jobs. i've got tons of bakery experience (more in the cake baking/decorating line than fine pastries, but i've got a deft touch and know my way around the equipment.... go ahead, have a snicker if you must) and am fond of the bakery vibe. any tips/pointers/leads?

If I really wanted to have a snicker I would call you a "Master Baker"

(snicker)

But seriously - there are so many excellent bakeshops in Philadelphia. Luckily, you are looking at a time of year when they are starting to gear up for the holidays and are more likely to be hiring. I don't have much to offer besides that. Although I have a friend in the business and will bounce the question off him and let you know if I find out anything interesting.

Good luck!

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Ifaey,

Private me with your info and experience. I know someone who owns a bakery that does a rather large business. I'll forward your info to him. If you are good and reliable, he'll take care of you.

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Ah but you're not that jejune, are you, so a good think you resisted the impulse (to call me a "master baker", that is).

Thanks for the help! Any other tips about Philly in general are always welcome- I've got family in Bucks County, but the last time I was in Philadelphia I was five years old and all I really remember is the Liberty Bell.

Check out The Night Kitchen:

http://www.nightkitchenbakery.com/

Try the northwest. In particularly, Chestnut Hill, where you can find three good bakeries within just a few blocks. Baker Street is the best break bakery I know. Metropolitan is also good. There's one more there that specializes in cakes, and naturally that's the one you want and the one I can't remember the name for. All three are on Germantown Ave.

And there's also the Night Kitchen, as noted below.

Good luck.