West Philly was so much smaller than...
... When I was young, Sunday was a day of worship and relaxation.
Our Church was St. Francis de Sales where our family would take up an
entire pew, anchored at the inside by mom, who sat next to the youngest
child and moving to Dad at the end, on the center aisle. From the back
it must have been amusing to see a little round woman (5'2" tall and
240#s) holding her 12th child, with a generally rising stair step effect
as the kids grew in age and size. Ultimately, some of the middle spots
would be occupied by siblings as tall (and one taller) than our 5'11"
tall, 180# dad.
After church, there would always be a treat.
When there was money we would head to Croft's Drug Store, now Larry's
furniture, on the south west corner of 46th and Baltimore, for ice cream
sodas or sundaes.
When there was less money, we would walk up Baltimore to 55th and south
on 55th to AMOROSO's for bread and than MATHES for pastries.
Than home via Thomas Street to 53rd to Baltimore, wiping crumbs from our
smiles.
Even now, when I have a big BBQ, I'll try to get to AMOROSO's for their
still warm Club and Kaiser Rolls.
The cost, around $2.00 / dozen, is less than the bagged breads at retail
stores.
There is no savings.
When I can pick up the Amoroso rolls, I notice I get extra compliments
and I don't have to worry about finding space for leftovers.
They disappear.
More rolls than meats are consumed.
When I only have time for the bagged bread, I notice the ration of buns
to meet is only about 75%.
So, I buy the Amoroso rolls to please my guests, and because I enjoy the
excursion to the factory style bakery.
The retail window at Amoroso's used to be open 24/7 but it is now 8-5
daily.
The free parking is up a steep hill, and the first visit may feel a
little confusing, but it is worth learning the ropes.
I have many happy memories of driving home, surrounded by the aroma of
cooling bread and knowing the over stuffed brown bags will be reduced by
2 or 3 rolls / kid in the car, before we close the mile distance to our
home.
I also stop at MATHES bakery.
Cup Cakes in White, Pink or Brown are still only 50 cents each (with
discounts for the Dozens).
Ditto for the Brownies and small bags of cookies.
Pastries, including ricotta and fruit stuffed croissants, cost a dollar
(or less).
They have the old fashioned Cheesecakes that can be covered with
Pineapple, Cherries or Blueberries for a small extra charge.
Their Sticky Buns have a cult following.
People return from far away to press their noses against the glass as
they try to decide
"Nuts", "Raisins", "Both" or "Plain"
Some are passionate about one flavor, others try to change up the
'accessory' to the butter, sugar and cinnamon swirls that have called
them back to West Philly.
My favorite is the Chocolate Iced Spice Cake.
I have staged holiday gifts and parties around the seasons of Mathes
Bakery.
At Thanksgiving, shut-ins and fellow foodies might receive a MATHES pie.
Towering meringues adorn tart Lemon and Lime pies.
Sweet Potato was added to attract new customers and Pumpkin kept to
please old-timers.
Fruits in season make pies available at different times of the year, but
at Thanksgiving, magic is done to Bakery preserves, so that even out of
season fruit pies are available and scrumptious.
At Christmas, crumbly, yet still melt in the mouth butter cookies, are
the basis for trays we give to the local convents.
MATHES is still one of the great Philadelphia Bakeries.
It is of the German Style.
The cakes are solid, pound cake types.
They are made with real butter and no preservatives and should be eaten
fresh.
The pastries are basic.
Their offerings comfortably predictable.
MATHES has adapted new technologies.
Bring in a photo and it can be spray painted, in colored sugar, unto a
sheet cake.
Older consumers marvel at the technology and might choose a wedding photo
on a 50th anniversary cake, while toddlers ooh and ah at their own
cherubic faces.
MATHES has mastered the art of tiered celebration cakes.
Yesterday I arrived to learn the owner was out, personally delivering a
nine tier wedding cake, that she would assemble at the reception hall.
Still to be delivered was a 5 tier marvel, with roses custom colored deep
Burgundy to match a bride's theme.
It would also require personal delivery, assembly and touch up icing.
Mathes can only handle three major weddings in a day, because the art and
labor is so extensive.
Mathes does not use the Pine nuts or Almond extracts or Ricotta cheeses
of a Termini's.
Mathes does not make the elaborate Swans or Napoleons of an Isgros.
Mathes will turn a good, tasty cup cake into Elmo and make a sheet cake
that is not an air cake and sell bite sized treats at affordable price
points, even for families that have "too" many children.
MATHES is being run by its third generation.
And now, with only one family member left, it has become less financially
rewarding than another available option.
It is slated to close at the end of the month.
Visit!
Bring your children.
Press your nose against the glass and conjure happy memories of home made
food and happy events.
Order your first (or last) celebration cake, before the chance is gone.
For me, someone who experienced a lot of childhood hunger, Mathes has
been a place that feels like an escape from want.
I can choose and afford my pleasure.
Here is a link to photos of Mathes bakery.
5463-65 Thomas, MATHES Bakery
http://picasaweb.google.com/campionef/5465ThomasMathesBakery
The photos may help you ID the place after you make the turn from
Baltimore south on 55th.
If you know anyone who wants to run a bakery, please let me know or your
favorite Agent know.
The property is advertised in the MLS and the UC Review.
I would much rather see this 2,000 Square Foot retail space stay a Bakery
than convert to any other C-2 option.
It is ideal for "Mom & Pop" operation as there are two residences (one 3
bedroom, the other 4) that are part of the Real Estate Package.
Remember, only 2 more weeks of mouth watering goodness, and than Mathes
Bakery may be just a happy memory.
Candy shops and family friendly corner stores are disappearing much to
quickly.
Say good bye, in the sweetest of ways.
Buy yourself a treat and think with gratitude of all the bakers who have
added flavor and joy to your life.
I am blessed with a mother and siblings who can bake, and neighbors (MA,
RGC, JC, JF, CJK, VK, BT, etc.) who are brilliant and generous cooks, but
there is something special about favorite retail spaces.
Enjoy while we can!
All the best,
Liz
Elizabeth Campion Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax, Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
www.PruFoxRoach.com
