Another incredible taste sensation. But I'm getting ahead of my story.
I had an appointment with the Fabulous Jessica at Salon 11. I got there uncharacteristically early and had time to grab lunch before my appointment. Having previously heard my bitter complaints about the local Starbucks, Jessica suggested that I try the Danish bakery around the corner. I decided to check it out.
My first order of business at Hygge Bakery was to select a sandwich. I chose tuna fish and chatted with the server as he made it for me. I learned that Hygge's baker is a bit of a celebrity in Denmark and baked for the Queen. The server and I determined that I was, therefore, getting the same fare as the Queen of Denmark. Well, the bread, anyway.
I learned that two of the owners are Danish, that Danes use almonds frequently in their baked goods and that the Morning Poppy bun, which features white poppy seeds, is a typically Danish breakfast item.
I looked around. There are so many pastry choices that the Mobile Knowledge Worker could find herself losing her svelte appearance if she isn't careful. I looked at petit fours, frog snaps, rose bread, waterkringle, kamme, a full-sized almond tart, mazarin, apricot mazarin... I selected the Sarah Bernhardt which is shown in the picture above. I liked the name.
I'm sure you want to know the verdict.
So, in eating order: the sandwich was great. The bread was fresh and good, the tuna fish salad itself had enough mayo but not too much and the right mix of green onions and celery. Tomatoes, green peppers (which I'd never had with tuna fish before) and lettuce completed the sandwich.
The Sarah Bernhardt deserves its own paragraph. At the first bite, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. In my many years of pastry eating, I don't think I've ever had anything like it. The bottom layer is a little crunchy, but softish on the top, and tastes like marzipan. Then there's a huge layer of fluffy chocolate mousse, which is then enrobed in a chocolate shell. You get all these different tastes and textures in each bite. Wonderful.
As for setting, what can I say? The people are Danish. That means sleek, modern, glass-topped tables with shelves underneath... you know the way they are. Style. Minimalist. Along with color photos of Denmark.
You should know that Hygge offers many specials. There's the Daily Dollar Special (I tried Danish cream puffs, 1 for .75, 3 for $2.00 -- and very good), the Sandwich Special (sandwich and drink for $5.25 I think), the Coffee and Pastry Special (3 something) and the Coffee and Cake Special (ditto).
It's a Wi-Fi spot, although I don't really think it's a place to work. Some places are like offices away from home; I don't feel that this is one of those places. But it's definitely a place to eat, and you can certainly work while you're eating.
p.s. I was so busy selecting and then consuming sweets that I forgot to ask how to pronounce "Hygge." It's rude to ask questions with your mouth full, anyway.
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