Dutch Delicious Bakery & Deli — Restaurant in Edmonton

Controversy over employee having face painted black. I used to be, before this incident, a frequent customer who previously recommended this bakery (Dutch Delicious) to others across professional cohorts. Today however (December 3, 2016) upon walking in I was greeted with a cultural racism that upon speaking to their owner (manager) he stated they debated the matter ahead of time and decided to go ahead. Essentially they had the Dutch version of Santa with his accompaniment "blackface" (a Caucasian lady painted black as in the days of slavery or old tv shows in which whites were painted with black faces and exaggerations). I told the manager that I was born and raised in Europe and visited Amsterdam last year and even most citizens of Amsterdam see the racism behind "blackface", further even most department stores there are using different ways to represent the Dutch culture in their Christmas windows or stores, as well the UN has made recommendations to the Netherlands to change the practice - he said he knew all that . I explained to the manager that this is a multicultural society and people of all cultures walk in, and it hurts. I told the manager it's no different than them having white peaked hats celebrating the KKK part of past overt culture, or having his employees in chains reflective of slavery. Again, he agreed with the analogies and reiterated his note that ahead of time he and his team discussed both sides of the matter and still choose to go ahead with having "blackface" greeting customers in their store. Interestingly enough Dutch customers there of empathy to me looked at me as I shopped in the store - some with pity others with disturb, I as well mentioned that to the store manager. At first I didn't understand why they were looking at me with shyness - then I quickly saw and learned why. I gracefully handed the manager my bought goods in the bag paid for and told him that I can not take this with me though I purchased it - and told him that he could donate it to charity; he took it and said he would. Upon leaving "blackface" smiled at me in front of the manager and I looked at her and told her "it's racist!". As indicated to the owner I will be reporting this to government, authorities, community et al for follow up. I thought he would tell his employee to then go and change - he chose not to, as he said they debated it and chose to go ahead. It is important that citizens know of all events happening in the city, particularly those events with racist origins though deemed cultural practices. As the reporting at the annual heritage festival isn't about a person but an event, this story is not about "me" or my recent experience at Dutch Delicious, but rather the fact that this has occurred and will be occurring at a public locality in the city. By just focusing on what Black Pete came to symbolize instead of looking at the origin would be tantamount to reporting and condoning a person dressed in an all white gown, a white peaked hat and holding a cross on Halloween and arguments in support made to say "he just represents a 'good' witch and the cross is merely because he believes he's Christian - can't you see that he's good because he's dressed in all white? " Surely most would say it has racism at the root. My goal was twofold:

1. My hope was and is that a conversation in the public ensues and everyone will rethink elements of their cultural practices that have racist elements - for every culture shares in that fault to some degree or another.
2. for the practice at the bakery to stop (which maybe they'll reconsider especially since the UN and international parties are pressing for that in The Netherlands). It is up to the public hearing about the story, and more so public officials to decide if cultural practices with researched documented racist origins and undertones should be integrated as a practice in our society in public venues. All cultures need to reexamine traditions, practices, verbalizations etc that are rooted in racism and see the need for and in...

I know that this bakery has been here for many years but I only recently truly discovered it. What a pleasant surprise. I ordered a birthday cake for a get together and I was really pleased with not only was it moist and delicious, but it was not priced like so many cakes you find at bakeries now a days. I got the chocolate raspberry cake that was deliciously smooth with a flavorful raspberry buttercream that made this an enjoyable dessert. I also ordered 2 artisan sourdough loaves and some delicious little "Jan Hagel" cookies. They reminded me of pie pastry sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. They are addictive. I stopped into Dutch Delicious Bakery today to pick up a selection of sweets for a get together and had a multitude of varieties to choose from. They also serve sandwiches and beverages if you are in the mood for lunch and coffee and dessert.... There is also a retail space with a lot of traditional Dutch items from wooden shoes to pickled herring, Weiner schnitzel to art filled calendars. Great selection of candies, both packaged and bulk. A great place to drop by for a relaxing afternoon, while you order dessert for a special occasion. You won't be...

We discovered DDBD a few months ago and loved their apple strudel and other baked tasties. We noticed, however, that the employees are rather snide in their responses when we asked for assistance (not all the labels are in English). This past Saturday was the worst experience. I approached the bakery counter and asked for an apple strudel and 2 boterkoeks. It was for Mother's Day. After standing in line for quite some time, I was next, however I was passed over and two other customers who just arrived were offered assistance—as if I didn't exist. Perhaps I radiate some sort of power? When I am finally offered assistance (about 13 or 14 minutes later). The atmosphere oozes disdain for anyone who is not christian. If I wanted to be treated poorly, I would...