Rooted Stories shares the people, places, and passions behind our regional food community. In this edition, we sit down with Chef Alena of Red Truck Bakery to discuss seasonal ingredients, summer baking traditions, and the dessert guests will enjoy at The Summer Table Rooted at Barrel Oak.
Why did you choose this dessert for The Summer Table?
We will be featuring our Blueberry Crisp with Vanilla Chantilly cream. I chose this dessert because it is an ultimate expression of June in Virginia. We get our blueberries from a local grower at their peak ripeness and let them take the main stage in this dessert. Their delicate flavor is accentuated with a bit of lemon and lightly sweetened vanilla Chantilly cream. This dessert also happens to be gluten (and guilt) free.
What are some of the most popular bakery items during the summer season?
Summer at Red Truck means seasonality and bringing the best local produce to our guests. One of the ways we present it is our Vegetarian Quiche. The season starts with asparagus in late-April early May and transitions to broccoli in early June. And then, Sungold tomatoes come. We roast them with plenty of herbs, garlic, and olive oil. That quiche makes a perfect lunch or a picnic. Especially when paired with a glass Early Mountain Rose.
On a sweet side of things, the citrusy Atlantic Beach pie is a special treat for pool and beach day beloved by many.
What’s your go-to dessert for a summer cookout or barbecue?
I always bring or serve some version of a fruit dessert, especially since VA offers such a bountiful summer. My favorite is an apricot, honey, and ricotta galette. I enjoy a savory note in desserts, so I add a bit of freshly cracked black pepper, a spring of thyme, or even chili flakes.
What else is happening at Red Truck Bakery this year?
In 2026, we brought to focus our specialty cake program. We always had a trickle of birthday cake orders, but it has never been a significant part of our program. This year, we created a more intentional and structured menu that allows to highlight seasonal flavors and elegant, refined styles. We pair luscious French buttercream with rich, buttery pound cakes and bright seasonal fillings and let each flavor shine without being overpowered by sweetness.
Using natural ingredients, less food dies, and offering a straightforward, yet satisfying menu allows us to be proud of every cake featured at an anniversary, birthday, retirement, new baby’s arrival, wedding or any other celebration where a cake is desired.
