Sweet and Savory Sensations – Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro

The Place: Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro
The Location: 7950 E. Redfield Road, Scottsdale
By: Shoshana Leon

From the delicious food to the delightful service, Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro in Scottsdale is the realization of the lifelong passion of owner Dana Dumas.

“Growing up in New York City, I loved going to all types of bakeries with my mother who is a true lover of sweets,” said Dumas. “As a self-taught baker, I wanted to bring a little happy to people through my baking.”

When her parents moved from New Jersey to Scottsdale in 2002, Dumas came with them. She started Sugar Jam Cookies in 2011, selling her cookies and baked goods at farmers’ markets around Arizona. She opened Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro in 2014.

Sugar Jam offers a variety of cakes, pies, bars, brownies and Sugar Jammin’ cookie sandwiches in unique flavors including lemon raspberry and almond amaretto. Sugar Jam offers custom cakes for special occasions including weddings, parties and showers.

“We bake everything from scratch in small batches with a small staff,” said Dumas. “We are a local, family-owned business.”

When you walk in to Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro, you are greeted by display cases of beautiful pies, cookies and cupcakes that will make your mouth water. Before you’ve had your meal, you already want dessert. The small dining room is warm, and the service is friendly.

Breakfast and lunch are available Tuesday through Saturday. In addition to muffins and scones, breakfast options include waffles, omelets and a fluffy croissant sandwich with eggs, applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese.

Lunch features in-house smoked barbecue, including applewood-smoked pulled pork and hickory-smoked chopped brisket. Sugar Jam offers gooey macaroni and cheese, which is also available with pulled pork. The lunch menu also features soup, salad and sandwiches, including barbecue, grilled cheese, chicken salad with walnuts and cranberries, and herb seasoned turkey.

Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday. The most popular brunch items include Parisian Style French Toast which is marinated in Grand Marnier and served with applewood smoked bacon and rum pecan maple syrup; Belgian waffles served with bourbon-glazed ham and honey vanilla butter; and smoked brisket and biscuits.

Sugar Jam has been recognized for its outstanding fare. Its cherry pie was named one of the best pies in the Valley and it was named one of the best breakfasts in the Valley by Phoenix New Times. Sugar Jam was also featured on “Cheap Eats” on the Cooking Channel.

“I am doing what I am passionate about,” said Dumas. “I love people and knowing that they are enjoying my food. Every day that I cook or bake is another day that I get to continue to fulfill my passion. I am also passionate about the people that work to help the Sugar Jam vision continue to unfold. Without all the support from my staff, family, friends and dedicated customers, I would not be here. It takes a village!”

You will have the opportunity to sample goods from Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro as one of several vendors at Taste About Scottsdale at Kierland Commons on January 26.  Get tickets here www.AZFoodandWine.com/TasteAbout-Scottsdale/