Eats & Beats: Ana’s Norwegian Bakari is Building Community in Denver

Featured Music: Twelve Moons – Jan Garbarek

On November 19th, Ana Fanakra, owner of Ana’s Norwegian Bakeri, opened the doors of her second location on 16th street. Her primary Bakeri, serving Centennial for the past 2 years, is known as the neighborhood staple to the surrounding community. I had never had a Norwegian pastry and was eager to try – especially when I read the description of their Sunshine roll or Solskinnsboller: Cinnamon roll with vanilla custard in the middle – yum!

Ana was born and raised in Norway and brings the traditions she grew up with, like the use of the spice cardamom, into her baking. As I arrived, I was greeted with the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls, cute gnomes seated at her counter and bookshelf, and trays of fluffy Norwegian treats. Over a Sunshine Roll, I learned how Norwegian baking differs from baking here in the states as she walked me through the many different pastries of Norway and told me stories of the bakers in her family she grew up around. Ana told me the Bakeri’s mission is to build community: “I’m trying to do my part to bring people together so we can have a little bit more fellowship and a little bit more… in a cheesy way, more love in the world.”

Ana’s Norwegian Bakeri is open Tuesday – Saturday 8am-2pm. Their Bakeris are located at 918 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202 and 6770 S Yosemite St, Centennial, CO 80112. To view menu items and learn more you can visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

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