As a kid, Michael Feigenbaum rode his bike along Buckeye Road, passing a dozen bakeries. In 1994, he bought one, Lucy’s, adding the name “Sweet Surrender” before moving the bakery to Shaker Heights in 2012. Although those two things have changed, its beloved treats that began tempting taste buds 61 years ago remain the same. “We’re a heritage business that goes back to the original Eastern European-style of baking from scratch,” says Feigenbaum, who owns the bakery with his wife, Marika. Lucy’s has something for almost everyone, from strudel and sour cream pastries to old country classics such as Russian tea biscuits and Hungarian poppy seed loaves. Whether he’s making challah for Rosh Hashanah or paska, a Ukrainian sweet bread, for Easter, Feigenbaum’s love for baking shines through. His family immigrated to the U.S. from Eastern Europe in the early 20th century. For him these recipes are history in the making. “All the recipes come from 100 years ago, whether it’s a black forest cake or a Dobos torte,” Feigenbaum says. “There’s a history to food.” 20314 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-752-0828, lucyssweetsurrender.com
Our Pick: Feigenbaum’s take on the cinnamon roll ($2.50) skips the icing and amps it up with a nutty filling that spills over the roll.
