Denmark native Rasmus Lee and business partner Helen Le are opening Hygge Bakery in South Park on Tuesday, June 30, but get an early taste at today’s open house, which runs from 1-5 PM. The contemporary bakery features a glass front and promises “a true taste of the Danish.” Hygge [pronounced hoo-geh] means “to be cozy, to live good life, to be comfortable.” Lee equated hygge to Italy’s La Dolce Vita. “It’s a lifestyle, a social concept.”

“Danish pastry is the best you can get,” says Lee, “because of the process and the schooling.” Pastry work requires a 4-year degree and apprenticeship in Denmark. He hired Henrik Gram as Hygge’s head baker. Flaky specialties include kringle and kavelsnegl (cinnamon snail).

Hygge Bakery sells loaves of bread. Think French baguette, Italian bread, and German rye made with sourdough, rye flour and malt. You’ll also find focaccia topped with tomato and mozzarella. On the savory side, expect traditional Danish sandwiches and open-faced sandwiches on rye bread.

Lee played jazz saxophone in New York for 10 years before moving to Los Angeles. He started in real estate in 2003 and got licensed in 2004, which is when he “realized this particular downtown area was going to be a big thing” and decided to implement his long-term bakery plan.

Why a Danish bakery? Lee said, “I love this stuff and used to literally fly to Denmark to eat it.” He and his partner plan to open more Hygge Bakeries in California cities before expanding beyond state lines.

Hygge Bakery will be open Monday – Saturday from 7 AM – 7 PM.

Related Posts

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2. Gevanty’s Bakery & Grill Opens in Eagle Rock
3. Corkbar should Open in South Park by late February
4. Butter Tart Is Hot New Glassell Park Bakery
5. Antigua Coffee House Opens in Cypress Park

1. Pingback: Food GPS » Blog Archive » Hygge Bakery Opening in South Park | Denmark today on June 27, 2009
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2 Comments

1. Food GPS » Blog Archive » Hygge Bakery Opening in South Park | Denmark today, June 28, 2009:

   [...] Read more here: Food GPS » Blog Archive » Hygge Bakery Opening in South Park [...]
   Sorry, forgot to add great post! Can’t wait to see your next post!

2. Jytte Madsen, October 29, 2009:

   My name is Jytte Madsen and I am the owner of a Danish newspaper Bien that is being published every other Thursday. I would very much like if you would contact me regarding an ad in my paper, since not many people know about you and I hear your bakery goods are wonderful. It would be a shame not to let your fellow danes know about you. My tlf. no. is 818 366-4100

   I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

   Jytte

This entry is filed under LA Culinary Compass, Openings.