GOOD TO GO : The Dark One

It’s lumpy, heavy, dark as night and absolutely wonderful. The loaves of raisin pumpernickel bread at Los Angeles’ Diamond Bakery on Fairfax Avenue are big enough to feed a multitude. The other good news is that the bakery will cut off what you need and sell it by the pound. Topped with a pale thin crust, the bread tastes sweet because it’s loaded with raisins. “You can eat it instead of pastry,” said the woman behind the counter. “And it’s good for you.”

Raisin pumpernickel bread, $1.65 a pound, Diamond Bakery, 335 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 655-0534.