Colossus Bread

Chef-owner Kristin Colazas Rodriguez spearheads a spread of truly arresting pastries and some of the fluffiest-yet-sturdiest naturally leavened loaves of bread around, and has ever since her days popping up at farmers’ markets. Now, she and her husband—coffee roaster/aficionado Nick Rodriguez—run Colossus in two brick-and-mortar locations (San Pedro and Long Beach). Both spots keep lines out the door, but it’s understandable: Their delectable pastries and hearty loaves of bread are well worth the wait, but can also be pre-ordered, with a few days of advance notice and planning. Our tip? Get to either location right as the bakeries open, so you can see whatever the daily specials might be in the case.