SFflyer: Costco's bread, while acceptable, is actually brought to the Costco's as frozen dough. It is thawed and proofed at the Costco, then baked. Again, it is good (I picked up the two pack of the multi-grain loaves there on Thursday), but it ain't no artisan bread!

In the Bay Area, by my order of preference:

1) Grace Baking
2) Metropolis
3) Acme

Semifreddi's has gotten a lot better than they used to be. Have you ever tried a Judy's Breadstick? Non-traditional, but delicious! I prefer the sunflower seed over sesame.

Last - I don't know where you live in the Bay Area... But come to the Marin County Farmer's Market on Sunday morning. About 10 different small artisan bakeries sell their bread there, and they bring lots of excellent fresh loaves! If you have never been, I highly recommend it. (plus of course all the great farms that are there...)

And, you are right there at one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces...

http://www.agriculturalinstitute.org...5091943.active

'The Sunday Marin Farmers Market is AIM’s largest market and the third largest farmers market in California. At summer’s peak, nearly 200 local farmers, specialty food purveyors and artisans come together to celebrate a vibrant local food movement. This market has grown tremendously since it opened in 1987, and has long been considered one of the premier markets in the state. Still, the market maintains its community roots, welcoming local eaters who religiously come to the market to take home the freshest foods of the season and to thank their farmers.'