February’s Sin of the Month – Laurie and Reto Weber of The Swiss Bakery

 Ah, February! The month for lovers, some say, and we here at A Spoonful of Sin have a love story for you this month. It is the story of Reto and Laurie Weber, two bakers who grew up on separate continents, but eventually found each other and fulfilled their dreams in Northern Virginia.

Reto Weber grew up in Switzerland and followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to become a baker. Working for Albert Uster, an importer of fine Swiss foods, he came to  America in 1996 and began to travel this country as part of his job. Meanwhile, Laurie was already an accomplished chef who was, at this point in time, working for Roberto Donna’s Gallileo in Washington, D.C. Introduced through a co-worker, it soon became apparent that these two had the right ingredients for marriage — and business!

The Webers opened The Swiss Bakery in Burke Town Plaza in Burke, Virginia in August of 2001, the same year that Laurie was named Pastry Chef of the Year. Like a perfectly paired wine and cheese, Laurie and Reto feel that they complement each other in the bakery. Reto has a passion for bread-making and a keen business sense, thanks to his years with Albert Uster. Laurie loves the intricacies of cake decorating and usually handles matters with the staff, which includes her sister, Linda, by the way.Last July, The Swiss Bakery added a second location in Springfield in the Ravensworth Shopping Center on Port Royal Road. Both shops feature their exclusive ice cream and sorbets, pastries, cakes, cheeses, breads, and more, made in true Swiss and European tradition. To keep this tradition alive, the Webers participate in an apprentice  program that allows European workers to come on 18-month visas and work in the bakery. It provides a learning experience for the worker, and a reconnection to the Swiss origins for the bakery.

Please go to www.theswissbakery.com for more information about our February Sin and their store locations and hours. You won’t want to miss this one!

And now... the Sin!  February’s “Sin of the Month” features two traditional Swiss delights and one original Swiss Bakery creation. Enjoy! 

First, The Swiss Bakery has for you a traditional Zuger Kirsch Torte. This is a vanilla sponge cake, heavily soaked with kirsch (cherry brandy — yum!) liquer, with hazelnut meringue layers on top and bottom. This is iced together with Swiss meringue buttercream flavored with the kirsch liquer. Toasted almonds are on the sides, and a little cherry blossom of rolled fondant garnishes the top!

The next offering is The Swiss Bakery’s take on another traditional Swiss torte. Commonly referred to as the “Engadine Nusse Torte,” the Swiss eat theirs plain. Laurie and Reto have dipped theirs in chocolate (can’t go wrong there!) and renamed it the “St. Moritz Torte.”  Easier to pronounce, and tastier, this is a buttery pastry with a walnut/honey/caramel filling, dipped in Swiss chocolate. Mmm!

The last lovely little morsel is an original creation of The Swiss Bakery. Named for Mt. Rigi in the Swiss Alps, also known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Laurie and Reto’s treat starts with a marzipan base, topped with a rich kirsch chocolate filling, then dipped in chocolate and topped with sugar reminiscent of the snow capped peak of Mt. Rigi.

Special Offer: Come into either location of The Swiss Bakery and receive one free Kinder Scoop of ice cream or sorbet, plus 10% off your total purchase. Limit one per customer, please.

www.TheSwissBakery.com

Ravensworth Shopping Center

5224 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22151

Burke Town Plaza

9536 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA 22015