Lucy's Lives On

After two decades on Buckeye Road, Lucy’s Sweet Surrender, the Hungarian bakery that had been at that address since 1950’s, has moved to bigger and better digs on Chagrin Boulevard. The new place is the former Chandler and Rudd, a gourmet market that closed in 2009 after 145 years in business. The two iconic food spots with long histories and deep local roots are a good match up. Lucy’s officially re-opened May 16. The renovations took much longer than expected, as these things usually do. Now that the hassles and headaches are finally behind them Michael and Marika Feignbaum are free to enjoy the change of scene.

Besides being in a better, and hopefully much safer neighborhood- the couple was robbed and mugged multiple times- they have much more space for making the wonderful Old World style breads, cakes and pastries that are their stock in trade. Customers can see them at work and even shout out a greeting while picking up strips of strudel or a luscious multi-layered torte. The vintage display case from the old store has been positioned in the center of the large open room. The workspace is right behind it.
photo of Michael and Marika courtesy of Susie Sharp

There are a few tables and chairs inside, and a couple more outside, for when you want to sit down and eat a pogacsa (a flaky biscuit with bits of bacon ) immediately rather than wait to bring the bagful home, or if you just feel like grabbing a cold drink from the cooler and kibitzing with whoever else is hanging around. There could be more seating to come. They put in a kitchen, separate from the baking operation, and hope to find a partner willing to work with them to create a true café. A collection of cookie jars adds a sweet homey touch and three photos of Michael’s sweet creations by my husband Barney Taxel grace the walls. Take a moment to inhale deeply- the yeasty smelling air is a treat.

Michael’s kneading a batch of Jewish rye when I stop in for a first visit. I get the penny-tour: the new Vulcan stove, shelves filled with containers of golden raisins, poppy seeds, nuts, and 50-bags of flour. He talks non-stop, happier than I’ve seen him in a long time. “It was hard to say goodbye to the old place,” he admits. “But this move means a new life for Lucy’s and a new chapter for us.”

Finding your way in can be tricky. There’s no entrance on the side facing Chagrin Boulevard at Warrensville despite the big sign on what appears to be the front of the building. Take Lomand, a side street, and go around back, where there’s also a parking lot. Address is 20314 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights (note: Lucy's website still has old one up), 216-752-0828.

Do Good for Baked Goods

If you believe in supporting local food; small, locally owned businesses; artisanal craftsmanship; and good people. Or, if you just believe in giving to those who need help, now’s the time to step up. Michael and Marika Feigenbaum, owners of Lucy's Sweet Surrender, a bakery on Cleveland’s Buckeye Road, have their backs against the wall and are asking the public to lend a hand.

They’ve been robbed, mugged and shot at the store multiple times in the past two years. Two of their vehicles have been stolen from the parking lot. It’s just not safe to do business at their present location. More than the financial loss, the couple worries about each other all the time. The stress is awful. Imagine if it were you or someone you love in this situation. Michael bought the bakery, originally opened in 1957 to serve the Hungarian clientele that populated the neighborhood, in 1994. No longer a bustling ethnic enclave, the area’s been down on its luck for years. But Michael stayed, hoping for a comeback and trying hard to make that happen. But things have gotten worse, not better And so with great reluctance (Michael loves the little shop with the long history), it’s time to go.

They’ve found an ideal location: the old Chandler and Rudd store, another spot with a storied past, at Van Aken and Chagrin. They hope to be in by early February and have a grand opening for Valentine's Day. There is, however, a major obstacle to achieving this goal: money. The hardworking couple have leveraged all their assets just to keep the doors open on Buckeye Road and don’t have the resources to cover the expense of moving and setting up in the new space. They've managed to get a small grant from Shaker Heights and a loan, but it's not enough. So they’re asking for donations to raise an additional $20,000. Between now and Dec. 25, you can contribute to Lucy’s Moving Fund, using PayPal, by clicking on the Fundrazr button on the left side of the bakery’s Facebook fan page.

By way of thanks, those who give $100 or more will receive half off a custom cake order, a minimum $40 value, good starting March 20, 2012. But everyone who gives, in any amount, will get the satisfaction of knowing you’re like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Glenda the Good Witch all rolled into one. Of course, another way to help is to buy, buy, buy: wonderful tortes, pastries, cookies and breads. The bakery is open until Christmas.

I’ve known these people personally and professionally a long time. They don’t come any better. It’s been tough for many small businesses but especially difficult for this one. They’re an important and valued part of our unique food community. Please rally round and make it possible for them to continue to do what they do so well.