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Bakery connections
Visiting retired American baker --- spending six weeks in Belgium --- interested in meeting bakers, visiting baking schools, and otherwise learning more about Belgian baking. I've got an apartment in Brussels, but can/will travel elsewhere to meet up. Alas, English speaking only. Suggestions about how to begin making connections appreciated. Larry L, Washington State.
Are you interested in working here? You probably will not get far with the "English speaking only" if you are trying to make connections in Brussels. I would recommend that you learn the local language first which is French and then pursue this. It would be ideal if you were fluent in French and Dutch. Firs step, learn the language. After you've mastered that then contact the schools.
Firs=First
I can only recommend my favourite Patisserie which produces excellent cakes and bread. Maybe they can help you. St. Aulaye on the rue Vanderkindere, Ixelles, which is 5 minutes walk from the Clinique Cavell. Or you could pay a visit Wittamer, one of the best on the Grand Sablon. If nothing else, it will help you find your way around Brussels, best by public transport.
Here is a link to the francophone association of "master bakers", note that there is an email link in the top left hand corner of the welcome page. I don't know to what extent you might find francophone bakers who can also speak English. There will also be an equivalent association for Dutch speakers, they are more likely to be able to speak English.
http://www.ffrboulpat.be
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/belgium/articles/the-10-most-scrumptio...
https://en.yelp.be/search?find_desc=Bakeries&find_loc=Bruxelles
(this is a rather wide list): https://www.airbnb.com/things-to-do/brussels/food-scene/bakery
https://brussels-express.eu/5-brussels-bakeries-shouldnt-miss/
http://www.foodandwinegazette.com/?p=553
http://www.eupedia.com/belgium/best_bakeries_brussels.shtml
Charli, Dandoy , and Saint-Aulaye are must sees. Renard is the epitome of the really good neighborhood bakery. Also: there are boulangeries (bread bakeries), patisseries (pastry bakeries) and boulangeries/patisseries (do both); Many of these bakers will be able to communicate in English.
There is a British store called Stone Manor. They make more savoury bakery like pies etc. It is in Everberg, not far from Brussels.You can get a bus there. Good luck
I didn't suspect stomanoe make anything thwybbut them in I think the questioner was after a proper bakery
Any additional questions feel free to drop me a line: rsgharris@gmail.com
Check http://www.fancycake.be/
