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Does anyone know where I can buy some good Bienenstich? I know that, when I was a child, this was the preferred treat for every special occaision. My aunt got it from a bakery on the North Side (I think) and would get some filled with buttercream, some with custard. About 10 (?? has it been that long?) years ago, she told us that the bakery had closed and there would be no more bienenstich for us. I found several different recipes but was never able to make it quite the right way. Suddenly, having thought of it, I *really* want to find a place to buy some...

Danke,
Katharine

edited to add: I just called my Uncle and he tells me the bakery I am mourning is Beil's, which was at 4229 W. Montrose and closed around 1999. Apparently, they are now located in Wisconsin. Grr.

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

I'm no judge of authenticity, but I know that Bennison's bakery in Evanston makes it - or used to. Call them. They also used to make (seasonally) a baumkuchen that was tremendous. Good luck, and report back.

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"Strange how potent cheap music is."

Thanks, mrbarolo. I cannot call from work, so I sent them a quick e-mail to make sure they'll be open this weekend. I will definitely report back after I have gone...

Katharine

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

You might also have success with Lutz or Dinkel's

Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop
http://www.lutzcafe.com/
2458 W. Montrose
773-478-7785

Dinkel's
http://www.dinkels.com/
3329 N. Lincoln
773-281-7300

Best,
Michael

Hi,

I would definitely call ahead before trooping out to any of these places to assure your product really exists there.

Regards,

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Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

Thanks, Michael, for the other suggestions!

Cathy2, I will definitely call when I get home from work today. Otherwise, I have e-mailed all three suggested places; hopefully someone will reply! I have directions all printed out and tomorrow I will be getting up early to head to *one* of these bakeries.

Thanks to all,
Katharine

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

Okay, so Dinkel's doesn't carry Bienenstich at all. Lutz's does, but it has to be special ordered and so they do not sell it by the slice. The lady I spoke to at Bennison's didn't seem to have any idea what it was. She suggested I call back another day and maybe I could special order it.

Sigh.

Well, thanks, all, for your suggestions. I guess the silver lining is that I can sleep in tomorrow and not get up super early to go to the bakery...

Happy New Year.

cheers,
Katharine

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

Katharine,

The great irony here is I expected Lutz's to be the bakery which did not carry it. I did not expect it to be the only bakery that did.

All the best,

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Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

Bennison's lists it on their Web site, so whoever answered the phone is just ignorant.

They also list it at Schlegl's.

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LAZ
Dining Chicago
Index to LTHForum Recipes, 2004-2008

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

As mentioned upthread, Bennison's has (very good) Bienenstich almost every day. Ask for "Bee Sting" if the teenager who answers the phone is confused.

As an aside, Kopp's in Milwaukee only makes their Bienenstich custard once a year but it is phenomenal. Not to be missed.

Bennison's Bakery
100 Davis St.
Evanston
(847) 328-9434

I can' t believe all the good bakeries that have shut down. Lutz is nothing like it used to be years ago. I know the bakeries have been driven out by the big stores but there are some that survive. One would think someone with a passion would get a little shop and start a business. Please bakeries, come back!!

Wishful thinking. Does anyone remember a bakery years ago near Belmont and Harlem called "The Village Bakery"??? My family used to go there and it was so yum.

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Toria

"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it" - As You Like It,
W. Shakespeare

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

I just drove by the former Schlegl's location this morning. It appears that a new bakery/coffee house has gone in and looks like it is open. The Schlegl's Lincolnwood location isn't that far away. Why don't you call back and try again. Maybe they would be more helpful if you told them you were looking for Bienenstich and left out the part about asking about their failed location.

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

This Saturday, FYI.

The Bienenstich did not look like the that of my childhood memories. I know that you're not in the market right now, but I will check with Julianne's Bakery in Elmhurst this week. I believe that they may make it. It will be good to know for future reference.

Regards,

Ms. Ingie

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Ms. Ingie
Life is too short, why skip dessert?

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

Hi: Did you try Cafe Selmarie in Lincoln Square? I am almost positive they have served it before. Gosh, I know I have seen it somewhere (I have never tried it but I love the name) but can't remember where. What about Rolf's Patisserie in Lincolnwood? If you show up and they don't have it you can always soothe your soul with an excellent meal at Renga Tei!

good luck!

bjt

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"eating is an agricultural act" wendell berry

They definitely sell it by the slice at Cafe Selmarie. IMHO--a delicious rendition.

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Reading is a right. Censorship is not.

I will continue to vouch for Bennison's version. Why they don't want you to try it, I don't know.

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

I was driving home down Touhy from the beach today and low and behold I spied Schlegl's Bakery so I turned around and went for a visit. The indeed had Beinenstich in the counter. Although it didn't look as good as the ones I had in my childhood, it looked much better than the one from Dinkle's. However, I didn't buy any as I don't think it would be a big hit with my family. I did buy an apple struedel, so I'll report back after I've tasted it.

Regards,

Ms. Ingie

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Ms. Ingie
Life is too short, why skip dessert?

I called Julianne's Bakery in Elmhurst and alas, they're no longer making Beinenstich either. As far as the strudel at Schlegl's, it was very good; better after I heated it in the oven. What I didn't really care for was that I think that either a) the filling was canned or b) the filling was homemade but was like canned filling, but better. (I'm having problems phrasing things today; a bit brain-dead.)

My favorite strudel was from the former Hogan's Restaurant at Lincoln & Wilson in Chicago (now Daily Grill.) I love strudel that is filled with sliced apples, a little sugar, cinnamon and bread crumbs. I don't care as much for the version w/saucy apples, if you know what I mean. (Still brain-dead.)

Take care,

Ms. Ingie

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Ms. Ingie
Life is too short, why skip dessert?

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peace,
Katharine

"Granddad was superstitious about books. He thought that if you had enough of them around, education leaked out, like radioactivity." (Terry Pratchett, Johnny and the Dead)

Hi,

Is it possible it is made for weekend traffic? Or it is seasonal? You may want to call to find out their baking schedule.

Regards,

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Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

We've gotten it before from the Austrian Bakery on Clark and it's pretty tasty:

2523 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614-1711
(773) 244-9922

Cafe Selmarie's version is really, really good. I think they may have it more on the weekends? We have pre-ordered it from them for special occasions.

I've used this recipe for beinenstich with good results. The hardest part is keeping the "cake" part whole while slicing it in half in order to fill it. I end up slicing the baked cake portion in four equal parts. Then, I fill each part and piece it back together to get the rectangular shape. The almond topping masks the pieces. Of course, you don't have to keep it whole. Click the recipe link to see picture. I find the Oetker ingredients at Cost Plus World Market, though I'm sure there are other sources. I enjoy each and every bite.

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Reading is a right. Censorship is not.