Food for Thought Speakers Series: Solvang’s Rich History of Danish Baking
with Bent Olsen, Owner of Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery
ADMISSION: DONATION
- When: 2PM on Sunday, November 16th
- Where: The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
- Meet & greet reception with light refreshments to follow.
Description
Guest speaker Bent Olsen will speak on Danish Bakeries in Solvang, California. Learn how six Danish bakeries have been able to thrive in Solvang, a small village of just 6,000 residents with a unique history. Peer into the rich culture and passed down techniques of Danish baking. Get a taste for yourself and sample the Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery signature pastry. Fresh brewed coffee will be provided, courtesy of El Rancho Marketplace. The presentation will finish with a Q&A.
About Bent Olsen
Bent Olsen was born and raised in his family’s bakery on the Danish island of Aero (Ærø), where his grandfather and father ran the establishment founded in 1890 in Aeroskobing (Ærøskøbing). After completing his apprenticeship with his father and grandfather, and furthering his education in baking and confectionary arts in Sweden, he immigrated to the United States in 1965. Captivated by the opportunities in Solvang, California, he stayed and worked at a bakery there until 1970, when he purchased what is now Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Over the past 55 years, Bent has built the bakery into an award-winning institution and a renowned destination for both residents and tourists alike. Now, with his son Christian and grandchildren actively involved in the business, Bent continues to train the next generation, ensuring that his family’s baking legacy will endure in the heart of Solvang.
About Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery
Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery and coffee shop specialized in a large variety of delicious pastries, breads, cookies and cakes, winner of the blue ribbon for best breads, acclaimed by sunset magazine one of the best bakeries of the west coast. The bakery serves the authentic Danish almond custard Kringle as seen on Food Network’s “Kid In a candy Store” and the Scandinavian wedding cake “kransekage”. See for yourself why Olsen’s is one of the Santa Ynez Valley’s favorite bakeries!
Website: olsensdanishvillagebakery.com
Phone: (805) 688-6314
About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.
Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nature Center Admission: Donations Appreciated
(There is a $10.00 County Park Entrance Fee per vehicle)