I have an unusual trip planned. I'm a pastry chef in the D.C. area of the U.S., and I am flying alone into Munich for 15 days of driving around small towns in the Alps for the sole purpose of learning as much about the cafe and konditorei pastries and culture as I can (and the pretzles!). I lived in Bad Aibling, Germany when I was 8-12 yrs old and saw all the tourist sights then and on a subsequent visit, so cities are out. My base is a gasthaus near Bad Aibling, but want to explore from there, overnight stays elsewhere are fine, even going into Northern Italy. Any specific suggestions for good bakery and cafe sights? Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any contacts of collegues in this area, but I speak a little German and will be trying to talk bakers into letting me see their kitchens, even work a day or two with them. Any help is much appreciated!
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Sounds like an interesting trip. I sent you some info in a personal message. It might be one possibility. Good luck and have fun.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17432 posts
If you get as far as Bolzano, and you should, given that it is right on the road italy south from Innsbruck,mstopmand have a look around. I had the world's best Mohnstrudel ( poppy seed strudel for those whom don't speak German) at a bakery there. It was right on Kornplatz, behind the row of fruit and vegetable vendors that set up in the square. I will bet their other pastries are just as good. German is the first language for many people there, so you shouldn't have any trouble talking with them.
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Katie, can I come along as your taster? Plus, I'm fluent in German. You say you haven't been able to find any contacts. May I make a suggestion? Pick any picturesque small town, maybe one of the many so-called spa towns and contact the chamber of commerce. Somebody is bound to speak English. Bakeries, restaurants, Konditoreien are all members of the chamber. I would try to get some contact info and recommendations from the chamber of commerce and then contact some of the establishments directly and ask if you can sit in. You might meet with surprise and doubt or mistrust if you just walk in cold turkey. You wont be far from Prien am Chiemsee. There are a couple of hotels right at the lake. "Zum Fischer am See" is one of them. They have a restaurant and say they bake their own cakes and tortes.They also recently (in 2010) received a silver medal in a competition for Bayrische Kueche. This info is off their website; I've never been there but it's on my list for my next trip. Hope you have Skype to make the overseas calls. How soon are you going? By the way, I was invited to the 80th or so anniversary celebration of a family bakery in Thuringia five years ago. It was quite a feast for the whole village and surroundings. If you think I can be of any help, please send me a private message. Maybe you could write a letter stating your credentials and purpose and fax it over to the chambers.