Back to the future: Fornet de la Soca

**** Sadly, Fornet de la Soca closed in October 2022. ****

When Fornet de la Soca opened a second store in Can Corbella last year, it was a commitment and a promise at the same time. The emblematic Modernisme building is a landmark in the heart of Palma. And when it comes to bread, pastries, cakes and cookies Fornet de la Soca is proud to represent the Mallorcan tradition. Like no other bakery in Palma it reflects the seasons and the many holidays of the city.

María José Orero and Tomeu Arbona founded their panadería as a radical local enterprise. Rooted in the ancient recipes and homemade from regional ingredients the pastries in the window display look just mouth-watering. There is a culinary specialty for almost every occasion.

Like those huge cakes with the beautiful icings they make in early January for the arrival of los Reyes Magos. Or the differently filled espinagades for San Sebastian, the cocas for Sant Antoni, and the formatjades for Easter.

And even the famous ensaimadas and empanadas got their seasonal touch. I love the later summer days with fresh figs. And I’m already looking forward to a very special filling of the empanadas in fall. Because Fornet de la Soca is one of the very rare places where you can still get empanadas with llampuga, the precious fish only caught in October.

See, we might miss the summer holidays and the days on the beach. But the approach of María José and Tomeu reminds us that every season is special one way or the other. And that being aware of the past is the basis for a happy life in the present.

Read more about the emblematic stores in Palma, the Forn des Teatre and its founders in my interview with María José Orero and Tomeu Arbona.