Desserts – the fruit of grandmother’s creativity
From still steaming baked goods to the freshest vegetables, from Lithuanian meat products to gourmet delicacies from around the world. In “Ogmios miestas” and the “Outlet Park” located there, visitors are welcomed by nearly 30 gourmet food stores, where even the most discerning culinary enthusiast will find products for their everyday or festive table.
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Traders offering fresh, carefully selected, and exclusive assortments invite all Vilnius residents and city guests to stop by and taste what awakens the appetite and inspires enjoying unique results in the kitchen. Therefore, the promise of “Ogmios miestas” food stores is – after browsing the shelves and choosing your favorites, life will become happier and, of course, tastier. A perfect proof of this is the bakery “Bella Toscana” located here.
Its story began back in 2003. As “Bella Toscana” co-owner Sheli Shneider tells, this place is a carefully nurtured family business. It was founded by the interviewee’s mother together with her grandmother, and to this day, it is the grandmother who creates all the bakery’s recipes. Although retired, every summer she comes to Lithuania just to nurture new desserts, seasonal products, and seek undiscovered flavors together with the family.
“I am responsible for brand development, creating new products, and communication. However, the recipes are still born in our family. We use only the highest quality ingredients, and this principle is fundamental, to which we never compromise,” emphasizes S. Shneider.
According to her, over more than twenty years, the bakery has grown significantly, but, according to the interviewee, the most important principles have not changed. Nurturing the family business and paying great attention to the composition of baked goods, the owners of “Bella Toscana” today are also inclined to experiment. For example, they combine classic confectionery traditions with modern global dessert trends.
Favorites, novelties, and unparalleled success
Asked what the bakery “Bella Toscana” is most proud of, S. Shneider notes – the customers’ favorites are clear. These are fresh croissants, eclairs, chou pastries, various cookies, macarons, handmade cakes, and coffee roasted according to a special recipe. However, some products have long become a true “Bella Toscana” calling card.
“If I had to recommend just a few desserts, I would first choose our eclairs and chou pastries. And among cakes – ‘Mozart’ and ‘Crème Brûlée.’ I am convinced that you will not find such taste and texture elsewhere,” smiles the interviewee.
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According to her, it was precisely the “Crème Brûlée” cake that attracted such great interest that later similar desserts appeared in other Lithuanian bakeries. Still, no one has managed to replicate the original recipe, assures S. Shneider.
“We want every visit to us to be a small daily pleasure. That people, leaving the bakery, already think about what they would like to taste next time. Therefore, we constantly observe what the world’s pastry chefs are up to. Not long ago, pistachio-flavored products dominated dessert displays, but now a new direction is emerging – more and more inspiration comes from Asia. Therefore, our assortment now includes the ‘Mango Colada’ cake. It is inspired by ‘Mango Sticky Rice,’ one of the most popular Asian desserts,” shares the interviewee.
According to S. Shneider, in summer visitors also tend to choose lighter flavors – desserts with fresh berries, tropical fruits, ice cream cakes, and seasonal variations of eclairs and chou pastries. “We constantly introduce seasonal novelties, limited edition baked goods, and special offers. We want ‘Bella Toscana,’ located in ‘Ogmios miestas,’ to be a place where people come not only to buy a treat or coffee but also to pause briefly, take a breath, and enjoy a quality dessert,” she notes.
“Here everyone,” continues the interviewee, “will find what is close to them. Whether it is a small sweet dessert, a cake for a special occasion, or just a cup of quality coffee. We hope visitors will find a cozy atmosphere, a wide selection, and flavors they will want to return to again and again.”
You can find the bakery “Bella Toscana” in “Ogmios miestas,” Verkių St. 31A, Vilnius. Its working hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 09:00–20:00; Wed – 08:00–20:00; Sat – 09:00–19:00; Sun – 10:00–18:00. More information about “Ogmios miestas” gourmet food stores can be found here.
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