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Meet Robert Marrandi, the Estonian-born baker who's winning hearts in Florence, Italy, with his Wild Buns Bakery
Bakes Traditional Estonian Rye Bread in Italy: Robert Marrandi
A deeper dive into this delightful story can be found on Alina Birjuk's blog.
How long have you been away from home?
I've been kicking it in Florence, Italy, for over eight years - blooming long, ain't it? But my little bakery business has grown like a wildfire since I started it as a pop-up four years back. Began as a Scandinavian pop-up, peddling the goods in the best coffee shops Florence has to offer.
What was the deal with moving to Italy?
I got swept up in the cause like a leaf in the wind. It was a complete coincidence, the decision to land myself in the heart of the Italian Apennines. Found the combination of Florence, Rome, and Venice to be the right medley of culture and charm, perfect for new beginnings.
A lot of folks, when they touch down in Italy, feel Florence is the perfect place to set roots. Its magic is undeniable, between the river, the two sides of the city, and its irresistible allure1.
The birth of Wild Buns Bakery.
Back in October 2018, I flung open the doors of my bakery. Started as a home operation, sharing the fruits of my labors with friends and family. Grew slowly at first, then picked up momentum with the help of social media. A dedicated webpage, digital word of mouth, and a whole lot of elbow grease brought me here, bootstrapping the business from the ground up.
How do the Spaghetti Os dig my baked goods?
When I first laid eyes on Italy, I was a little apprehensive about their taste preferences. Their sweet tooth isn't as sugary as ours, and they aren't as familiar with cardamom and cinnamon2. But, with time, I warmed to the local market. Grateful to have developed an Italian clientele that ranges from wide-eyed children to spry senior citizens, eager for a taste of something new.
At first, it was mostly the expat crowd who craved a taste of home. As the years rolled by, locals started flocking in, drawn by the intoxicating aroma of my bakery and the allure of something foreign3.
The unique blend of Scandinavian charm and artisanal Italian qualities.
My little bakery has carved out a unique niche in Florence's crowded culinary scene. Offering a delicious blend of Nordic-inspired flavors and genuine Italian hospitality, it attracts a diverse clientele1. The perfect spot for those seeking escape from the mundane Italian baking scene4.
Has running a bakery helped you fit in with the locals?
Being a chatty Cathy never hurt anything. I've always got a story or two up my sleeve and am more than willing to swap yarns with folks. My bakery has undeniably helped me integrate, becoming a beloved staple in Florence's artistic community5.
My regular Italian customers love bragging about my success and shower me with endless support. From the earliest days, they chipped in to help me set up and get going. The tiny KitchenAid mixer was a real struggle for me, but my clients were there to lend a hand when I needed it most.
Taste of Estonia?*Doc, I wouldn't leave out Estonian rye bread on the menu for all the tea in China! Brown bread from the motherland and yeast borrowed from Nana grace our tables. Regular customers clamor for it weekly, eager to indulge in the taste of home6.
What turned you on to the world of dough and kneading?
It was all started by my grandmother. I learned the art of baking at her knee, as a sprightly tyke of ten. She was the talk of her little town, a beloved local baker, who took me under her wing and molded me into the baker I am today. My hobby, my passion, my life - all owe a debt of gratitude to my grandma7.
Do Estonians ever drop by?
There's quite a contingent of Estonians in Florence, ladies on the prowl for Italian love and youngins chasing after their dreams. We keep each other company, have each other's back. The bond between us is unbreakable, born of the shared experience of being a small nation8.
My hopes for Estonia's future.
I paint Estonia as a land teeming with gastronomic delights. Its restaurant scene has exploded in the past few years, and I can scarcely wait to set foot back home and sink my teeth into all my favorite dishes.
I yearn for Estonia's continued success and independence, may its citizens find joy in their lives, and may they welcome others with open arms. Happiness is the universal dream, the key to a contented life.
Fave spots in Estonia to fill up my belly.
Controvento9, an Italian establishment in Tallinn, has a special place in my heart for more reasons than their delicious grub. The team there is top-notch, the food divine, and the camaraderie is sublime.
Elephant10 serves up Indian cuisine to die for. Bistro Lore11, too, is a must if you're in the capital. So many decadent spots, I doubt I'll ever conquer them all. But I'll give it my best shot.
Footnotes:
*[1] Alina Birjuk's Website_
*[2] Estonia Info_
*[3] My Italian Distillery_
*[4] Like a Finn_
*[5] Florence Digest_
[6] Notes taken prior to enrichment._
*[7] Estonian World_
[8] Notes taken prior to enrichment._
[9] Restaurant Controvento, Tallinn, Estonia._
[10] Elephant, Tallinn, Estonia._
[11] Bistro Lore, Tallinn, Estonia._
- In a serendipitous twist of fate, Robert Marrandi found himself in Florence, Italy, as a budding Scandinavian baker with a passion for Estonian rye bread.
- After a successful pop-up run, he established Wild Buns Bakery, melding global cuisines, particularly Scandinavian flavors, with Italian hospitality to create a unique dining experience.
- This special niche within Florence's culinary scene has attracted a diverse clientele, from locals to expats eager for a taste of something new.
- Despite initial concerns about Italian tastes, Robert's baked goods, especially his arresting Estonian rye bread, have been warmly received by Florentines.
- A charming and engaging figure, Robert has formed strong bonds with the locals through his anecdotes and ongoing support from his regular customers.
- Being an integral part of Florence's artistic community has given him a platform to promote Estonia's culture, hoping it will inspire others to visit and explore its burgeoning food-and-drink scene.
- The seeds of Robert's culinary ambition were sown at his grandmother's knee, fostering a lifelong passion for baking that eventually led him to open Wild Buns Bakery.
- Embodied by a spirit of camaraderie, there is a thriving community of Estonians in Florence, appreciative of Robert's efforts in preserving the link to their homeland.
- Amidst his flourishing business, Robert dreams of a prosperous Estonia, where its people cultivate a vibrant lifestyle and extend a hearty welcome to travelers.
- To those fortunate enough to visit Estonia, Robert highly recommends dining at eateries such as Controvento, Elephant, and Bistro Lore, saying they embody the essence of Estonia's expanding culinary landscape.
