Early last Saturday morning I spent a few hours with bread baker Kamel Saci of Il buco alimentari & vinieria. Instead of our baking together, we shared stories of the business, talking bread and trends as he went about his day and I took photographs.

A natural born leader, Kamel guides a team of assistants, all the time teaching, encouraging, trading laughter. Watching him work in a tight kitchen, I was amazed by his organization, output and quality of products. The morning left me with his multiple tips on refreshing my levain, so, merci, Kamel!