Curtain call: Forn des Teatre

Everybody knows the striking Modernisme facade of Forn des Teatre. And shouldn’t miss a look behind the scenes of Palma’s most emblematic bakery. Tomeu Arbona was just awarded the Premi Ciutat de Palma de Gastronomía 2021. Because it’s not only the store front that’s outstanding. The official recognition came right in time for the 10th birthday of Fornet de la Soca, the culinary archaeological adventure now based in the traditional space.

Making the store even more compelling. Fornet de la Soca is a true heaven for foodies. Maybe you just came in for an ensaimada or an empanada to go. But once inside you feel like a little kid marveling at all the delicious things on the shelves and in the displays. Many of the island’s specialties I have never seen elsewhere. But they all look picture-perfect and simply mouthwatering. So you are likely to leave the store with a few more things than intended.

Like no other bakery in Palma, Forn des Teatre reflects the many holidays of the city. It almost seems like there is a culinary specialty for each and every occasion. The Turrones for Christmas you already knew of. But have you seen those huge cakes with the beautiful icings they make 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?

With the opening of Fornet de la Soca Tomeu Arbona and his wife María José Orero turned a lifelong passion for cooking into their new profession. They aim to rediscover Mallorca’s culinary abundance with a radical traditional approach and use only natural local ingredients for their baked goods. And because Tomeu loves to collect and display old cook books as well as vintage bakery utensils, the Fornet got this unmistakable cozy and authentic atmosphere.