SAN ANTONIO -- He is the master of the muffin, the connoisseur of cakes. Now, the owner of Nadler’s Bakeries in San Antonio has learned he’s being honored with an international award.
Nadler’s Bakery, 1621 Babcock Road, is a busy place, producing mouth-watering cookies, pastries, cakes, all things baked. It’s led to sweet success for Hans Nadler, originally from Switzerland, and his wife of 53 years, Minerva.
“High quality was always our motto and it will be and it still is,” Nadler said.
The International Union of Bakers and Bakers-Confectioners is honoring Nadler as Baker of the Year for 2011. It’s considered that group’s top prize for bakers.
“It’s a big surprise and a pleasant surprise,” he commented. “It’s really quite an honor.”
Nadler speaks German and French. His wife speaks Spanish. They’ve traveled the globe to share recipes, ingredients and demonstrations with other bakers.
“We were almost 30 years traveling between Europe and the States and South America,” Mrs. Nadler explained. “We learned that all bakers speak the same language. We all have the same problems. We all have the same dreams.”
The Nadlers have seen a lot of changes since they started doing business in San Antonio in 1963. The signature Strawberry Whipped Cream Cake is still the top seller. What they’re really peddling is the ultimate comfort food.
“People come in here shopping. Of course, they have to look. But when they walk out with their cake or whatever it is, they have a smile on their face,” Nadler added.
The Baker of the Year Award is like the Nobel Prize, the Oscar and the Heisman Trophy rolled into one. The Nadlers will travel to Venice, Italy next October to accept the honor.
