the baked bounty in the Hinkel Backerai window

…is the best bread in Düsseldorf according to a few of the market farmers I have asked (in a country where people take their bread very very seriously), so this afternoon I wander around the corner from my temporary home of the Schmela Haus to check out the place (for possible baked goods to accompany tomorrow’s Soup Salon & Talk), where the warm inviting street view of stacked loaves in a variety of ovoid shapes and a spectrum of deep German browns lining the street window into a modest-sized shop where eager bodies of all ages are pushing up against a counter of jovial smiling Hinkel workers presenting a wall of other gorgeous loaves more beautiful than any sculptures I’ve seen – does nothing to prepare me for the intoxicating aroma and good vibes as soon as I open the door (even though I’m vegan and don’t eat processed flour, preferring delicious ancient grains like farro and kamut – they point me to a few beautiful egg and butter free loaves) – on this dreary Wednesday afternoon, bread is warming and cheering us up, and everyone is super happy to be there. (website)