Blog
By:
Category: Table Talk
Posted: October 12, 2012 8:30 AM
Tags: TAG Burger, Sushi Sasa, Sushi Den, Madison Street Grill, Heather Alcott, Glaze: The Baum Cake Shoppe, Congress Park, baumkuchen, 20 days of giveaways
Coming Soon: Glaze
There are few things that make me happier than news of a pending bakery. This is especially true when it's a place like Glaze: The Baum Cake Shoppe, a high-end spot with a tight focus. In this case, the Congress Park shop will make and sell baumkuchen.
The origin of this treat, which is baked on a skewer rotisserie-style and famed for its 18 to 20 tree-like rings, is a little fuzzy. There's some determination that the cakes' roots extend all the way back to the Greeks. But it was very much a German tradition until after World War I, when a German prisoner of war (and a baker skilled in baumkuchen) introduced the dessert to the Japanese. The rest, as they say, is history.
As for how this "tree cake" has arrived in Denver, well, that's been a two year journey for Heather Alcott. The market researcher and former Congress Park resident spent years living in China and Singapore and traveling to and from Japan. One of those trips took her to the city of Kobe, where she first tried baum cake. That evening, she began researching the dessert and, ultimately, how to bring it to Denver.
The oven—nicknamed Red Dragon—is the first and only in the U.S.; it's expected to arrive in Denver on October 17. Alcott laughs when she talks about how pampered this piece of machinery is: The oven (pictured) has its own cabin on the ship, it'll be craned into the bakery later this month, and ultimately, an employee of the company that built it is flying from Japan to turn it on for the first time. Only those certified to work on the oven will be allowed to bake the baumkuchen.
The process is part of the magic, Alcott says, and the oven and kitchen will be encased in glass so customers can watch the cakes come together. The treats, which in Japan are a symbol of life and longevity and are often given as wedding gifts, are made from the purest of ingredients: farm-fresh eggs, almond flour, Callebaut chocolate, and—occasionally—matcha tea.
Alcott hopes to open Glaze by Thanksgiving, but she concedes that it'll take time to hone the oven and figure out the nuances of baking baumkuchen at altitude. When she does open, it'll be worth stopping by for a baum cake, a cup of Illy coffee, and the show. She has also been tapped by Sushi Sasa, and possibly Sushi Den, to supply the restaurants with the specialty desserts.
More Neighborhood News: Just up the street from Glaze, Madison Street Grill is morphing into TAG Burger. The newly concepted eatery will open Tuesday, October 16. Look for creative burgers (I've got my eye on the Colorado Proud with roasted green chile, goat cheese, and local wildflower honey) and craft beer.
Glaze, 1160 Madison St., 720-308-2420
TAG Burger, 1222 Madison St., 303-736-2260
THIS STORY WAS PART OF 5280's 20 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS!
Can't Wait To Try
Submitted by Kayde5280 on Fri, 2012-10-12 15:57.
I can't believe I have never heard of this concoction before. Can't wait to try one.
Baumkuchen
Submitted by kimberleemiller on Fri, 2012-10-12 15:52.
Sounds like a little slice of heaven right here on earth.
I'd go for the oven alone!
Submitted by hthrroth on Fri, 2012-10-12 15:50.
Seeing that oven would be worth a trip alone! Of course, the sweet and Illy coffee never hurt anyone...
Soon to be a new office favorite!
Submitted by redhotnick on Fri, 2012-10-12 15:42.
Sounds like a great place to swing by and pick some up for the office crew!
Kuchen
Submitted by danielesays on Fri, 2012-10-12 15:36.
Love this story, can't wait to taste one!!!
Wow!!!
Submitted by karisworld on Fri, 2012-10-12 15:28.
Almond flour!!!?? This gluten free gal CANNOT wait for this new bakery and treat!!
Nom Nom Baumkuchen
Submitted by elizahleigh on Fri, 2012-10-12 15:20.
I typically pride myself on being accutely aware of all sugary creations, but this article opened my eyes to what I've been missing for far too long. Baumkuchen is definitely now on my MUST CHOMP list -- thanks for the heads up :)
Yesssss
Am anxious to try this
Can I smeel it
Yes I can, but sure it tastes better.
Japanese donuts?
Donuts are good in any language. I'm in.
Sounds amazing!~ I love
Sounds amazing!~ I love sweets, can't wait to try this one!
I'll try!
I'll try!
Interesting
Looks like a fun thing to try!
it's the baum
so fun and different - looking forward to the opening of Glaze
GLAZE!
WOW!
The pictures say it all!!!!
I love trying new foods, but
I love trying new foods, but rarely get to try a new dessert. Would love to try these.
Glaze
Sounds good!
I love trying new things, especially baked goods. I'm excited to check these out.
I'm ready
I've never heard of this before, but I've yet to meet a pastry I didn't love! I also know I would sure love to win a gift certificate to Linger!
Glaze
Sounds interesting--can't wait to try it out!
yummy
looks great
Linger
Looks like a donut
but better!
I love my neighborhood!
Japan has awesome desserts.
Good luck Glaze. We look forward to trying it and hopefully the high altitude (5280!) won't be a problem. How about a Linger dinner and baumkuchn for dessert.
Yum
Cakes and burgers?
Very excited both are coming to Congress Park area. Definitely will have to check them out. Would love to try Linger as well. So many good food options in Denver!
Concept of Linger
I love a restaurant that has a creative theme to it. The old Olinger building has been used appropriately. Can't wait to eat there!
Yum
Sounds awesome....
Glazed and Linger
Linger is too, too awesome and Glazed is right in my work neighborhood~
I'm hungry now!!
Linger
. . . the patrons are just as stylish as the plates.
I'd love to go back.
Glaze
How I would LOVE to eat there! I am gluten-free but I can still remember baked goods and buy them for friends.
Yum!
Never heard of baumkuchen, but would love to try! This'll definitely be on my list of Denver eateries to try :)
My New Shop!
yeah! in congress park! I'll be there
Love Linger
Took my out of town friend there - no reservations, but loved the light bright bar!
glaze
Can't wait!
Sweeeeet
Have yet to get to Linger...
My husband and I are dying to try Linger; we've heard it's absolutely fantastic! And the history of the building is so intriguing as well!
Interesting
Fascinating and Unique!
What a marvelous new concept to have in our great city! I look forward to trying a baum cake. Best of luck to Heather. Sounds like a fun and interesting new venture for her (perhaps she'll even consider mail order?). If the cakes are as good as they sound, they would be great to send to out-of-town relatives to try!
Sounds divine!
I know what it is like to have a piece of equiptment receive better care than a person while being shipped. I once brought home a porcelein beer tap from Spain and the box it was in got to sit in first class, I was in coach.
This desert sounds amazing and I too love how much of a true foodie city Denver is. I love living here and trying out so many new things. This will be next!
Yum!
"The oven—nicknamed Red Dragon—is the first and only in the U.S." I love what a foodie city Denver has become! Can't wait to try these treats!
Yum!
"The oven—nicknamed Red Dragon—is the first and only in the U.S...." I LOVE what a foodie city Denver's become! Can't wait to try these treats!
can't wait
I can't wait to try and share ..yummy
Glaze
Sounds delicious, can't wait to give Glaze a try!
GLAZE