As I stepped under the arched vining arbor into the square brick building with green trim, awnings, and red-tile roof, my vision was assailed with Dutch sights, and if I could have smelled, I’m sure, the smells of Dutch baked delicacies. The Dutch bakery was a completely unexpected, delightful surprise. The shelves were stocked with containers of baked Dutch cookies of all kinds and familiar Dutch brands, such as De Ruyters, with boxes of chocolate hail, a favorite open-faced bread topping from my childhood. A sign above the counter advertised, "We make everything from scratch." Behind the glass display case lay an abundance of from-scratch evidence: delectable-looking pastries, and on the shelves to the right, loaves of freshly baked bread and buns in baskets. Noticing there were chairs and tables indoors and out, and surprisingly extensive breakfast and lunch menus, we determined to return for breakfast on another day.
That day rolled around, and we sat outside on the patio, shaded from bright sunshine by the parasol-shades above the tables. The Peet’s coffee we were sipping was deliciously strong and robust. I’d never heard of it before, but learned that Dutchman Alfred Peet started the small store, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, in Berkeley in 1966. His wonderful imported arabicas, dark-roasted the European way, attracted a growing clientele. Alfred went so far as to teach his customers how to grind the beans and brew the coffee. He was the inspiration and "spiritual grandfather" behind Starbuck’s; its three founders in Seattle ordered their personal supplies of coffee from Peet, and one worked at Peet’s to learn the trade. Since then, Alfred is no longer connected with Peet’s Coffee, which went public after he sold it.
Our breakfast croissants were ready. Bob’s was scrambled eggs with ham, bacon, and cheddar. I really enjoyed my "veggie" croissant, eggs with cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and red bell peppers. Our dessert was a pecan pastry that Bob didn’t think was sweet enough, but was just right for me. The cost of everything was under $15.
Utopia’s lunch menu is mouthwatering, with both American-style and European-style sandwiches. I’d like to try the Dutch Bear Claw: meatballs with grilled onions, topped with spicy peanut sauce on a French roll. Salads, soups, wraps, and quiches are also on the menu, and everything was very reasonably priced, most under $6. Besides coffee and tea, specialty coffees, chai, juices, sodas, even beer (Heineken of course!), and wine are served. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there’s Dutch poffertjes and pannekoeken, and live music on Sundays. "Dutch Territory" since 2001, Utopia Bakery looks and feels like Holland, including several Dutch staff members. For more information, check their website.
Open Monday to Saturday 5am-6pm
Sunday 8am to 6pm