Hygge, a Comforting Neighbor in South Park
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Hygge: Pronounced "hoo-geh," the nearest English translation of the Danish word means "comfortable" or "cozy." But as Hygge Bakery's owner Rasmus Lee explains it, there's no clear analogy.
"It's a verb that means 'to enjoy life,'" Lee points out, explaining that life in the States is much more fast-paced than Europe.
Though it's only been in soft-opening mode for just over a month, the new Danish bakery in South Park has already gained a loyal following of local loftees and a surprising number of Danes living in the region. You can bet word travels fast.
The top seller is a flaky, lightly sweet creation called Spandauer, a must-try for a new inductee. "One of the resasons I opened a bakery is so that I can eat it myself," says Lee of the pastries, all baked fresh daily.
In addition to Danish pastries, also on offer are miniature cakes, focaccia, tarts, and fresh bread. Sandwiches can be made to order all day, accompanied with Gavina coffee.
Originally, the plan was for a Danish-style restaurant to complement the bakery. Unfortunately, the city's well-known bureaucracy caused months of delays, and that part of the project was shelved.
A grand opening for Hygge is in the works, contingent upon a second oven that will allow a wider selection of breads than currently offered. Plans are in the works to expand into the larger space next door.
This Sunday, Hygge kicks off its new Sunday hours with a free tasting event: Try any pastry in the store for free between 12:00 and 4:00pm.
Hygge Bakery: 1106 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213-995-5022; hyggebakery.com; Open 7:00am-7:00pm Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday and Sunday.
LO on August 06, 2009, at 02:23PM – #1
My best friend lives in the 1111 building on Grand, and we often have cook outs. Another one of his guests stopped here and picked up some treats. After the first few bites we had a whole conversation about the wonderful quality and authenticity of the food. I did not know about the shop, but have a Danish family, and the treats here are delightful. They are reasonably priced, and best of all they are VERY friendly people, that she said offered her samples and took time with her. We all know a few other placed downtown need to learn that the comradery and community downtown is very important. I shall be going for the next dinner event I hold. Welcome.
Tim on August 06, 2009, at 02:57PM – #2
A couple of more shops like this and South Park will start to resemble Portland's Pearl district. But even better - no rain.
guest on August 06, 2009, at 03:35PM – #3
This is a wonderful addition to South Park. Everyday I walk past here and smell of the baked products wafting in the air is just so wonderful.
south park resident on August 06, 2009, at 04:57PM – #4
Let's be real! The decor is non-existent. The open/closed sign is dinky. The tables are flimsy. The place could use some color...how about some interior accent paint (light blue, a green wall). The display cases don't match. The "sign" is a banner. An ATM in the corner? The place screams cheap, but the prices are too high. I ordered 2 dozen baked goods and they charged full-price for every single one. How about some reasonable prices for these tough economic times? Dress the place up a little bit so one can feel like they are in an established business rather than a fly by night business! Sorry to be so tough on you guys, but consider this constructive criticism. I am a resident and walk by every day, hence the over attention to detail.
guest on August 06, 2009, at 09:42PM – #5
I agree about the decor. A little color can add character to this place. It is very bland as it is now. The goodies are excellent though, but can be a little cheaper.
greensmark on August 07, 2009, at 08:27AM – #6
This is the BEST place for pastries and baked goods in LA! Light and flakey and slightly sweet. Almond paste is king! They are the friendliest, most accommodating place to open in South Park. I recently had a dinner party and decided to serve a Pavlova for dessert. Not really wanting to take the time to make meringues from scratch, I called over to Hygge and they were happy to accommodate. Brilliant! JUST TRY ASKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL AT RALPH'S!!
and to comment #4: Grow up! Hygge is not the most overly designed location, but it's not supposed to be. You mention hard economic times, well, they put the money in the product and let the space be plain and simple. Most likely they will put more into the design when the cafe is opened. If you want discount on a dozen baked goods head for Dunkin' Donuts!! Honestly, some people just can't tell the difference.
Welcome to my neighbourhood, Hygge. I love that you're here!!
Grnsmrk
Morten on August 07, 2009, at 09:12AM – #7
Det er bare afsindigt godt! I kan godt regne med et besøg fra mig og min kone. Bevar hyggen.
klaus on August 07, 2009, at 05:39PM – #8
i'm really glad that hygge opened in south park. i welcome them with open arms. their pastries are very good. having said that, ma petit bakery was much better and much cheaper. i wish ma petit had picked a better location, they would still be in business.
i'm sorry hygge, but 3 dollars for one little danish is just out of controll. bring your price point down to a reasonable level and you will have me as a regular.
btw, the bakery at bottega louis is excellent.
Don Garza on August 07, 2009, at 06:29PM – #9
Well , I won't be out visiting any of my favorite food establishments for a long while...just had weight loss surgery last Thursday... doc says I can walk slowly 60 miles a week if i want... I want to get this weight off quick so I can visit these places again.. oh welll, but the stuff sure does look good...
Dawn on August 10, 2009, at 09:16AM – #10
mmmmm finally a reason to travel to the west side! - (I live in the arts district). If they are as good as they look then the price is appropriate, I'd much rather have this than a fancy cup-cake and it helps me restrain myself from eating too many!
Loft dude on August 10, 2009, at 11:46AM – #11
For a good price point on what these pastries should cost, go to the bakery in the little tokyo village next to Shabu Shabu house. That is a great bakery with a wide selection of goods, and their prices are reasonable. Also, I think their pastries taste much better. I want you to succeed Hygge, but from what I've been hearing in the elevator, you need to step up your game slightly. Better baked goods and more selection at a lower price point. Again, consider this constructive criticism. But, I do like your coffee.
Rob on August 10, 2009, at 10:58PM – #12
I always thought this Danish expression Hygge was more for the long Danish winters and was all about keeping cosy - candle light, cup of hot chocolate, snow outside, warm fireplace inside, ya know ? Isn't LA just a bit sunny for all that ?
Good luck to them though ;)
CB on August 13, 2009, at 10:28AM – #13
Moved to a downtown loft last Friday and I've already been here 3 times. Everything is wonderful. Just bought a loaf of their rye bread and it's a meal in itself. WONDERFUL!
Katie on August 18, 2009, at 04:23PM – #14
Just tried one of their mini-Sarah Bernhardts and my head exploded. SO GOOD!
Jasmijn on August 27, 2009, at 07:57PM – #15
We stopped there this afternoon and I felt my delicious pastry was well worth the $2.25. The coffee-and-pastry combo is only a dollar more so that is well below what Starbucks would ask.
Their lunch special is $5.75 for a sandwich and a drink, which makes it cheaper than Subway! I watched a couple of those sandwiches being made: they look impressively filling, and I will be giving that a try as well as a loaf of their rye bread. The service was good, too, with a pleasant greeting and "let me get you a sample of our bestseller" right away.
Also, their decor may not be trendy or particularly inspiring, but the posters of Denmark brighten up the walls, and I find the whole place has a clean and efficient look. There are 3 small tables inside, and a few outside on the sidewalk as well.
We'll definitely go back. Happy to have you here, Hygge!