Wakey, Wakey Because It's Time for Bakey Bakey!
With a slew of kosher business' booming in Miami, Bakey just landed in Hallandale
Straight from Israel to Boston, Bakey, known for the best babka, ever, has just opened its doors in Hallandale Beach. And yours truly headed to the border of Dade County. Entering Broward to report back - I found it was worth the buzz. Bakey is the creation of legendary master baker and cookbook author Uri Scheft, who has transformed the traditional Eastern European pastry into a modern day obsession. Perhaps I have an obsession because we both share a passion for India and Israel, but after winning over New England with five Boston locations, this kosher bakery and café has taken over the former Kosher Bagel Cove space, with Fort Lauderdale and Aventura outposts already in the works.
And while the chocolate babka is absolutely the star of the show (I keep hearing my bestie Kelly Gold’s yenta voice moaning about that babka, ‘ohhh my gawwwwd the bawbkaaaahh) - let it be known that the menu extends far beyond it. Everything is made in house throughout the day, living up to Bakey’s promise that “the oven is always on.” Expect more than classic or almond babka made with premium German marzipan, but think cheese and potato burekas, goat cheese and chocolate croissants, rugelach, sourdough breads, New York style bagels and challah in plain, sesame, poppy and festive varieties. There are also all day breakfast plates, salads, sandwiches and premium Italian coffee made with beans sourced from Umbria. The approach is refreshingly simple, relying on fresh ingredients, unbleached flour and natural sourdough. And legendary editor Laine Doss even flipped over the salads which means it’s worth the shlep!
The scene: Designed by Alona Eliasi, Bakey feels modern yet inviting, with warm tones, minimalist décor, lush greenery and pastry cases filled with jewel-like creations. With seating for 50 guests indoors and another 70 outdoors, it works just as beautifully for a quick coffee and babka run as it does for a quickie or leisurely breakfast or lunch.
The light-filled bakery is casual with a few seats. It’s modern and immaculate - and in proper kosher-style, its impeccable. Having media access, I can attest that even the cooking facilities which are located on property are so clean that you could eat off the floor.
What to eat and drink: The sourdough rye bread is a favorite of Larry Carino. I accidentally only tried the plain and it was nuts (in a good way). They sell fresh pressed juices (divine) and the burekas of cheese knocked my little Jewish socks off. Laine dies for the salads. Kelly flips for the babka (she drives from Edgewater).
Pro tip: The challah is killer divine. You are welcome. And its hand-made there!
Perfect for: Shabbat food, a snack, a lunch, a gift - it’s perfect if you know and love good food and respect the craft of it.
Expect to pay: $10 - $20 - meaning a babka could be ten, a babka and challah 20. But it depends on what you order.
How’s the parking: Thank hashem (god) it is in an older shopping center so there is lots of space!
@BakeyBabka // 668 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale
**Bakey is open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with complimentary parking available.