Immigrant Robert Marrandi introduces classic Estonian rye loaf to Italian marketplace
Hey there, folks!
Let's dive into the captivating tale of Robert Marrandi, the Estonian baker who's cast a spell on Florence with his scrumptious rye bread.
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Eight years in the Land of the Boot, and still as enthusiastic as ever, Robert shares his story.
The unexpected journey:"It was a random decision, even choosing Florence. A road trip in Italy and a little trial-and-error led me here," Robert recounts with a chuckle. He explains that the charming city, with its two rivers and distinctive flair, felt right.
The nascent beginning:The Wild Buns Bakery began in October 2018 as a humble pop-up enterprise. It flourished from homebaked goods for friends to a full-blown operation, with regular clientele. And the tale doesn't end there - in September 2022, the official doors swung open.
Connecting with the locals:"Italians are usually not big fans of cinnamon and cardamom. But they've warmed up to my bakery, much to my relief!", Robert confesses, a beaming smile on his face. The bakery has now amassed a zealous following among the locals, ranging from children to the elderly.
The Estonian touch:Among the mouthwatering goodies, Robert offers a slice of Estonia through his dark rye bread, prepared with Estonian flour and his grandmother's exquisite yeast. And the demand is palpable, with weekly visitors who can't get enough of this unique bread.
The root of the passion:It all started with his grandmother, who was a renowned baker in her small town. Robert began baking at ten and hasn't looked back since. He credits her influence in nurturing his love for baking and food.
Estonian visitors and well-wishers:Don't be surprised if you bump into Estonian tourists or expats in Florence, eagerly grabbing a taste of home at Robert's bakery. The community, small yet resilient, often supports each other in their new Italian sojourn.
A vision for Estonia:Robert fondly describes Estonia, his homeland, as a digitally-advanced, Scandinavian country with a burgeoning food scene. He wishes Estonia success, independence, and happiness, with its people living fulfilling lives and helping one another.
Favorite haunts:Marrandi's list of go-to restaurants in Estonia is long, but his top picks are Controvento, an Italian restaurant in Tallinn, and Elevant, the Indian restaurant in Tallinn's old town. He can't wait to revisit them all.
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- Being captivated by the tale of Robert Marrandi, a baker in Florence who hails from Estonia, has really stirred the interest of people worldwide.
- Robert, an Estonian living in Florence for eight years, shares his journey from a humble pop-up bakery to a renowned establishment inspired by both Venetian culture and his Estonian roots.
- Despite the initial obstacle of adapting his recipes to the local Italian palate, Robert's Wild Buns Bakery has grown a dedicated clientele that comes from various walks of life in Florence.
- Aside from traditional Italian delicacies, the bakery offers a unique taste of Estonia through Robert's Estonian dark rye bread, baked with his grandmother's original yeast and Estonian flour.
- Cooking and sharing food has become a personal mission for Robert, reflecting his love for global cuisines and appreciation for different lifestyles.
- Traveling back to his homeland, Robert is excited to explore Tallinn's burgeoning food-and-drink scene and revisit his favorite restaurants, like Controvento and Elevant.
- Global travel and cultural exploration have allowed Robert to gather a wealth of recipes from various countries, which he eagerly hopes to incorporate into his bakery in Florence.
- In addition to running a successful business, Robert is a strong advocate for independence, not only for Estonia but also for the sense of independence and self-reliance that he encourages in every individual.
- Robert extends an invitation to anyone interested in learning more about his story, his bakery, or his culinary journey to reach out through LinkedIn, Twitter, or email, and share their thoughts, recipes, and experiences in the food-and-drink industry around the globe.
