At last - Des Moines has a bakery again, and this one, "Blue Vanilla Bakery and Restaurant," is likely to "knock your socks off" with their wide range of delicious pastries and breads. Some with names I've never heard before. This I know, the goodies look great, taste terrific -- and I'm going back for seconds soon.

Check their website. www.bluevanillabakery.com, for Lunch Specials of the Day and you can call your order in to 206 824-2583 so it's ready when you arrive.

Blue Vanilla is owned and operated by Margie Nelson, a skilled pastry chef, and her daughter, Ashley Nelson, a professional barista with an all-around talent for management and public relations awareness, along with their mother/grandmother, Lucille Bredberg, a Des Moines resident. Margie and Ashley have lived in Burien for many years.

Margie said her mom was the baking inspiration to her as early as then 5-year old Margie stood on a chair in Mom's kitchen watching and tasting baked goodies.

"From those memories my dream to become a baker began and that dream came true in Des Moines." Margie said.

Pastry chef Anna is a highly skilled artist in the trade of baking and has also joined the staff.

Like frosting on cake the ladies wrote, "Our Mission Statement is to use our love of cooking and baking to provide fresh, delicious food for you to enjoy in the comfort of our neighborhood bakery -- or in your own home."

Finding this bakery takes a little direction. It's not on Marine View Drive, where one might expect it to be. However, if you turn west from MVD onto 225th then turn north into the first alley, (across from B&E Meats), you'll be at Blue Vanilla Bakery located in the alley basement suite beneath Butler's Bar and Grill and behind Des Moines Cinema. Parking is limited, but worth the effort.

These ladies have created a comfy, warm, inviting shop where local folks and new fans are gathering daily.

Food choices are plentiful and of excellent quality. Ashley, a professional experienced barista, can produce super-dandy espresso and Italian sodas. Mine was very good.

It's interesting how a few people can change the face and direction of a city. Dr. Scott Andrews, owner of this building, and other nearby properties, is one of those people. He persuaded Margie Nelson to open Blue Vanilla. She then remodeled the former basement mechanic's workshop into a cozy, comfortable room.

In 1935, Del Osterhoudt constructed this building for his car repair and gas station. A Shell station was there and later a Texaco and auto repair with real mechanics.

Des Moines volunteer firefighters made the building the department's headquarters with Del's one converted tow truck and barrels of water attached to the frame. When men were gone to war or work, ladies responded to emergency calls.

Ironically, across the alley from the bakery is the Des Moines Historical Museum. Tours can be made with advance notice. Call Jim Langston at 206 878-7205. Admission is free. Donations appreciated.

History is interesting. However, this story is about the new bakery and the owners.

Margie wrote, "When I became a casualty of drastic down-sizing of the printing industry after 30 years, I decided the time had come to realize my life's dream and try to turn that passion into a paycheck. _With my mother and daughter's help, Blue Vanilla Bakery represents the fulfillment of a lifetime dream.

"All the items we serve here are made from scratch, using fresh, natural ingredients and locally grown ingredients when in season. In addition to bakery items (cakes, pies, cupcakes, sweet rolls, muffins, scones, breads, etc.), we serve soups, sandwiches, and salads and have a full espresso bar with coffee drinks, tea, and Italian sodas."

And so this sweet story now begins to make it's own history. Des Moines folks will welcome you - and we'll all get sweeter because you're here!

Dear Readers, Thank you for sharing your time with me and another year to gratefully say --Keep safe, smile often, and love forever. Merry Christmas to all!

Today's Thought: "The first duty of love is to listen." P. Tillich