Rheinländer Bakery

Sometimes our culture is obsessed with dates. Retailers report lower sales on Friday the 13^th. Various groups claim to know the signs of the end days. Who can forget the Y2K run on generators? It should be as no surprise that we are now fascinated with this Friday’s date – 11/11/11.

November 11^th is also St. Martin’s Day, or Martinstag in Germany. This day is celebrated with various traditions in Germany, as well in several other European countries. Martinstag has a carnival-like feel, as it originally marked the days prior to the Advent fast. Roasted goose is typically served; children make homemade paper lanterns and go house to house, reciting poems or songs in exchange for holiday treats. This holiday marks the beginning of winter and the holiday season, much like Thanksgiving (or now Halloween) does in the United States.

Our review this week is for  Rheinländer Bakery, in Old Town Arvada. While this is not a true grocery as like our other reviews, it is a worthy spot for hard to find foods. If anyone in your family is diabetic or has a gluten-intolerance, this bakery is your salvation. During our visit, there were two full cases of gluten-free products – with cookies, cakes and various pastries. In years past, we’ve ordered a sugar-free birthday cake for my Mom, which never disappoints.

If your body can handle gluten and sugar, there is plenty to keep your taste buds happy as well. Bavarian bread, German coffeecake, flaky strudels are all staples here. For utter decadence, try the homemade “Nuttella,” a chocolate hazelnut spread that elevates ordinary bananas or toast to a real treat.

Besides the baked goods,  Rheinländer Bakery has a fair selection of pastas, German coffee, flavored syrups and a few German staples such as German sauerkraut and pickles.  They also have gluten-free all purpose flour if you want to make a gluten-free version of your grandmother’s favorite recipe.

So how does  Rheinländer Bakery celebrate Martinstag? With a “Sweet Tooth Activation Event.” This Friday, 11/11/11, Rheinländer Bakery is selling their beloved Coffeecakes and Strudels for $11 each. Sugar cookies and biscotti are also on sale for $11 a dozen. While you are there you can also pick up German gingerbread cookies and stolen for Christmas – that is if you can keep them in your house for that long without being devoured.

Christine

  Rheinländer Bakery

5721 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.

Arvada, CO 80002