Our story
Solo Pane e Pasticceria started in 2022 as a specialized offshoot to the baking program that was built from scratch at Solo Cucina Market in South Portland.
Pasticcio, the word for pastry, in Italian essentially translates into ‘reconstructed mess’. The transformation of ingredients that occurs requires both scientific precision and a creative mastery.
Led by Executive Chef Simone Laboa, our family of talented and passionate re-constructors continues to grow here in Bath, Maine.
Owners Paolo, Mercedes and Simone Laboa and Jesse Bania bring the same expertise and energy Maine’s community has come to expect from Solo Italiano.
Inspired by Italian culture, we believe every town deserves fresh bread, pastry and coffee. The easiest way to find us is to simply follow the smells that will fill Bath’s historic streets.
Below are a few of our core bakers. Please send them a smile or a grazie next time you see them!
Simone Laboa
Simone says that what inspires him are the unique tastes, smells, colors and vibes that each day holds; this is why he always aims to create something new. Next time you see him, ask him about his cavolini salati snafu while working in Genova! He recommends that aspiring bakers have patience with their mistakes. It will only make them better.
Leon Olds
Leon is driven by his dedication to his craft. He believes great baking requires precision, intuition, and repetition. Most of all it requires approaching every day with open eyes and heart, and a willingness to learn. He hopes you can taste the love and dedication in every loaf. Mangia pane!
Mallory Jensen
Mallory is drawn to baking because of its scientifically technical character but she genuinely appreciates the cross-cultural way in which baking, and food in general, bring together people. Her advice to at-home bakers: know your oven! Buy an internal thermometer for it to avoid the most common mistakes.
Shane Deuben
For Shane, baking is an incredible transformation to be a part of! It is also a wonderful treat for the senses. His favorite items to bake and enjoy are the simplest: focaccia and maritozzi. He would be the first to admit, don’t forget to taste test your product before the Italian in the room starts roaming with hunger…
Amber Phillips
For Amber, bringing happiness to others through baked goods is THE inspiration. Just as fresh, warm panarello from the oven was to her when Simone first introduced her to it. She loves the care and attention that goes into traditional recipes. For the baking-curious, know your recipe’s full steps (and timing of them) in advance, she says.
Join our team —