On our first evening in Skala Kalloni, a fishing port village on Lesvos, I saw a sign for a bakery which pointed down a dark alley. Early the next morning I headed for the bakery to see if they had anything for breakfast. The bakery was actually below street level by several steps. I descended the steps and entered a very small room, probably about 10X15 ft. Inside the elderly baker and his young assistant were busy shifting breads around in the wood-fired stone oven with long-handled wooden peels.
I was very excited to actually see one of these ovens in action. All over Europe they are quickly becoming just a memory. As the old bakers die there is noone to replace them. The younger generation of bakers typically go for the modern electric oven, and the bread suffers as a consequence.
In the background of this picture are the long wooden troughs where the bread is placed to rise.
Fresh baked croissants.
The breads were delicious. It was nice to see that the baker was training a young apprentice. Maybe in this village, at least, the tradition will continue.
Oh...and let's not forget breakfast. The Judge likes sweets so I got him a chocolate croissant. The baker took a fresh croissant, shoved it onto a metal tube poking out of a large device clamped to one of the tables, cranked a handle and chocolate cream filled it. I like savory so I had a choice between Spinach Pie, Cheese Pie, and Ham/Cheese/Tomato Pie.
Wonderful Blog. I'm a New Yorker with a Greek father, :) living in Central America and I love reading your blog. Your pics are beautiful and your observations are very insightful. I'm flooded with memories of Greece and the incredible food and people just by reading a few words! I'll be adding you to my favorite blogs immediately.
Posted by: Nia | June 16, 2004 at 03:23 AM
Sir,
i folarin lukuman oyekunle want to let your know that i want to come for training workshop in your company. i am a member of assocaition of master bakers in nigeria in which our association has trying to reach you . but all in vain . . i will be happy if u can send me and invitation letter to come for training in your company . and our association will be happy too because most of the equipment we are using here is outdated. i want to used this opportunity to visit your baking indusrty.
you can e mail me at [email protected]
Posted by: folarin lukuman oyekunle | February 01, 2008 at 03:13 AM