Princi Bakery in Milan: a girl's best friend?

I'll get to the reasoning behind that title but first, how I came to learn about this chic bakery — 'twas from a world foodie guide, of course. And rightly so as that is the blog name from which Helen unknowingly (or knowingly?) had me yearning to check out this shop of beautiful baked goods the next time I had a chance to visit Milan. The locale that she writes of in delicious detail sits on her London turf, but even before the bakery opened a branch up north, I had never heard of the original Princi(s) which is less than 50km from where I live. How? Why? I don't know, other than perhaps every time the city's gigantic duomo comes into view, my stomach naturally says it's Luini's panzerotto or bust!

Via Speronari, 6 — MotH and I approached the narrow street address around 9:30am...and walked right past the entrance. This place is not your usual awnings out, business name in bold, sweet temptations-in-a-display store. And I have to say that if this is what Saturday mornings are like on the Milan bakery scene, then Lecco must be mad-crazy for bread by comparison.

A girl's best friend?

Man of the House's opinion on the interior layout: "It looks like a jewelry store." And it did. First you have the understated storefront, and then you have this long stretch of flat glass display cases (as opposed to slanted ones), one full-sized baking sheet deep, with everything spread out like edible jewels - JEWELS I tell you! Who needs diamonds when you can choose among both savory and sweet pastries, artisan breads and even that ubiquitous macaron! I was more fascinated by the length of the floor plan with the baking area - and baker - located in the clear open at the far end. It's for certain that they do much of the baking at a main production center...this shop was way too clean to be pumping out everything by themselves.

It's stand up service along and opposite of the pastry case, which was fine by us since we were on the go. The cream-filled and chocolate brioche were good, and not overpriced like I thought they'd be. This is Milan, right? The rest of the stash (assorted focaccia and a green olive-tomato flatbread) were great the next day after being warmed on a cast iron skillet. The loaf shown below is wholewheat - thick and chewy - and when toasted, turns plain ol' peanut butter and banana slices into the crowning jewels over a piece of bread. Bling! Bling!

Related link: www.dailyicon.net/2008/09/new-princi-bakery-in-milan