The Model Bakery

You may think you know English muffins. Heck, you might eat one every morning for breakfast. But if you’ve never had an English muffin from Model Bakery, which was founded in St. Helena, California, in 1984 by Karen Mitchell and her daughter Sarah in a space that's been home to a bakery for more than a century, you’ve never REALLY had an English muffin. Just ask anyone who’s tried one — they’ll tell you. Even Oprah is obsessed!

So what’s so good about these English muffins, which are a big part of the reason why Model Bakery has since opened two additional Napa Valley locations? They start with an airy, focaccia-style dough, which is rolled out, dusted with cornmeal, and (here’s the kicker) griddle-fried in clarified butter until puffy and golden brown on both sides. And if they’ve managed to turn the humble English muffin into one of the tastiest treats on earth, just imagine how good their cookies and other baked goods are!