The same entrepreneurial minds behind Bloc Cafe (reviewed here) also established two other coffee shops in Sommerville: Forge Baking Co. and Diesel. All three share the same recipe for success: a warm but stylish interior where fresh, copious, and high-quality food and beverages are served. However, Forge Baking Co. further distinguishes itself by its onsite bakery, which allows one to indulge in baguettes, wheat bread, scones, etc. right out of the oven. Admittedly, many of those baked goods and pastries are probably exported to the two other locations, but Forge Baking Co. still seems to offer the widest selection.

Similarly to Bloc Cafe and Diesel, Forge Baking Co. perpetuates the credo of unifying people around great comfort food and beverages. To that end, the menus in the three locations somewhat mirror each other and feature variations on the same theme. For instance, at Forge Baking Co., the Kent reminded me of the beloved Terrace (reviewed here), both comprised of turkey, bacon, and tomatoes. Hence, equally rich and delicate flavors and textures stemmed from both recipes. As for the drinks, each location offers its delicious interpretations incorporating Intelligentsia Coffee, a roasting company based in Chicago. Among them, remain an excellent Iced Cardamom Latte at The Bloc Cafe and a lavender-flavored one at Diesel.