Center Stage

3329 North Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 --- T: (800) 822-8817 --- P: (773) 281-7300 --- F: (773) 281-6169

Dinkel's Bakery images: store sign and products. Owned and Operated Since 1922

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Editorial Review of Dinkel's

photo: Clifton Henri

Dinkel's history reads like a storybook; the bakery was founded in 1922 by Joseph Dinkel, one of a long line of master bakers in his native Dinkelsbuhl in Bavaria. The European bent beats on in this Lakeview shop, as do the original recipes, including one for Dinkel’s famous stollen. The Old World formula includes a mix of toasted cashews, almonds, pineapple and golden raisins, all dipped in rum and brandy before baking. For a slightly different taste, try the cinnamon stollen. Strudels are another no-fail choice; choose from varieties like poppyseed, cherry cheese and almond and apricot.

For a more sugary treat, try the linzer cookies, made with pure almond paste and Dinkel’s own raspberry preserves. A great place for cakes, consider one of these favorites: Dinkel’s "1922" home-style layer cake, fresh banana cake, the original frozen cream cheese cake and Atomic cake, a combination of yellow and chocolate cake layers filled with fresh fruits, custard and whipped cream. The Sip ‘N Whiskey cake, made of sour mash whiskey, whole wheat flour, raisins, pecans, fresh eggs, milk and whiskey is another unique and tasty option.

Review by Kate Schwartz

Bridget Houlihan and Tammy Green The Chicago Bites girls churn out scrumptious podcasts about their dining adventures. Friday Jan 11, 2008. By Misty Tosh

pictured: Bridget Houlihan (left) and Tammy Green Leave it up to the ingenious gals at Chicagobites.com to produce an adventure like the "we're eating cupcakes even if it rains" Cupcake Crawl. Bridget Houlihan and Tammy Green, good friends and even better dining chums, sparked the brilliant idea to expand their simple podcast food blog into more of a social-networking tool used by folks from around the world. Putting together such a well-produced and professional blog has to take loads of time, but it's something that gives the food lovers and full-time employees a creative outlet and a decidedly delicious hobby. Chowing on all that great grub can't be so bad, can it? Both gals are downright bubbly on their podcasts and get even friendlier if you suggest a new place for them to try; you'll even get an invite to dine with them. This welcoming gesture has led them to meet up with other bloggers, including a podcaster from England and scores of locals who just can't wait to share their latest belly-blasting finds. Watch their site for more strokes of genius like the booked-to-capacity Cupcake Crawl (you can see the final results and mouthwatering photos on their site) and, for the record, they both put their money on Dinkel's for the best cupcakes.

The Battle of the Brownies A good-for-you version goes up against gooey goodness. Tuesday May 23, 2006. By Misty Tosh

Keep It Going: Do it: Chicago Chocolate Company This cocoa haven has a do-it-yourself sundae bar that included big chunky walnut brownies. Enough said. Eat it: Ethel's Chocolate Lounge Same thing. I tried stopping in here for a little more brownie tasting on the way home, but no such luck. It doesn't offer brownies, but it does have delicious little truffles that are mighty fine. Drink it: Dinkel's There is nothing more delightful than munching on a brownie and pounding a cup of coffee at this always-packed bakery, especially on a cold, rainy day. Get crazy with it: The Chocolate Buffet at the Peninsula Chicago Be prepared to gorge yourself on this ungodly array of chocolate desserts presented buffet-style. Call ahead for reservations, though. There are others out there like you.