There will be no rhubarb cake from Petra’s Backstubchen this summer. Nor any of owner Petra Vigil’s traditional Bienenstich (Bee Sting).
Her cheery smile and German accent will be absent from farmers markets where she typically sells her cherry streuselkuchen; honey cookies; butter stollen and cheesecake in various flavors including chocolate, strawberry and raspberry for the past 10 years.
Her cherub face on every label will be missing from the refrigerated case at The Store locations.
It’s with sadness that Petra announced on Facebook that she would be undergoing open heart surgery after a stay in the hospital to identify the extent of repairs needed.
“You won’t see me at the markets for a while and I feel bad about it. I love my markets and my customers. Don’t worry I will pull through this. We Germans are a stubborn bunch.”
Her recovery will be mentally and physically arduous. What’s more, she’ll miss the lucrative summer farmers market season that provides much of her yearly income as she recovers.
If you know and love Petra and her pastries, please consider a donation while she recuperates.
Venmo: @petravigil
Miss her chewy pretzels with sweet and spicy mustard? Send her a little something to wish her well. Love her cinnamon-spiked apple strudel? Keep them coming in the future with a small thank you for the gastronomic happiness she’s brought you in the past.
As the summer farmers market season kicks off, keep your eyes out at Wheeler Farm as various friends and vendors will be putting together some fundraisers throughout the season. Your support is appreciated.
Read more about Petra.
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