A Culinary Journey: Iryna Prysiazhniuk’s Sweet Symphony at the Bakery on 5th

“What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened in the bakery?” I asked Iryna Prysiazhniuk, the talented chef at Bakery on 5th.

“Oh, that’s an easy one!” she laughed. “Once, we were cooking milk in a special big container for our Dolce di Licey in a special equipment and we got distracted by a lively conversation. When we finally remembered, it was too late! The milk & the equipment had an other plan. It boiled over, spilling everywhere — on the stove, the counter, and even onto the floor! We all stood there, staring at the mess, trying not to laugh at our own oversight. It was quite the ‘milky’ disaster!’ ”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of the kitchen turned into a dairy mishap. “That sounds like quite the sight! What did you do after that?”

“Well, we had to clean up, of course, but then we decided to embrace the moment. We used what was left of some thing different and ended up having a mini tasting session. It turned into a fun day instead of a disaster!”

Iryna’s warmth and humor shine through in everything she does at the bakery. As we chatted, she shared more about her journey from Rivne, Ukraine, to managing the kitchen at Bakery on 5th.

Q: What were your early experiences in the kitchen like?

“I grew up surrounded by the comforting smells of my mother’s cooking. While she prepared hearty meals, I loved experimenting with colorful vegetables. I started making my own vegetarian dishes, and that’s where my passion for cooking really took off.”

Q: How did you become a chef?

“At a Ukrainian event, someone loved my cooking so much that they offered me a job as their private chef. That opened new doors for me and showed me how food can connect people.”

After moving to the United States, Iryna found her way to Bakery on 5th, where she now works alongside Maftuna, the owner. Their shared passion for baking creates a unique blend of flavors that keep customers coming back for more.

Q: What was your first impression of Maftuna?

“Meeting Maftuna felt like finding a sister. She has roots in Uzbekistan with mixed culture from Russia, Turkey, and Persia. Together, we create a mix of flavors at the bakery that reflects our backgrounds.”

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

“My day starts early, around 5 AM, when I prepare dough for our famous croissants. They have a history that dates back to 1950s Paris. Each croissant is made with care, and we ensure it’s delicious!”

Q: What kind of treats can customers expect?

“Visitors can enjoy creamy Tiramisu, Coffee Ganache Danish, and sweet pear Danish. We also offer Turkish sandwiches that blend traditional flavors with a modern European twist. The smell of Turkish tea and great coffee fills the air, making it a cozy place to relax.”

After a few more laughs and stories, I couldn’t resist asking, “What’s your favorite part about working here?”

When I asked Iryna about her favorite part of working at the bakery, her face lit up. “Definitely the team! We all share a genuine love for baking, and our diverse backgrounds create a dynamic and creative atmosphere. One of our team members even trained in a bakery in Paris, helping bringing a touch of French flair to our creations. It’s not just about the pastries; it’s the shared passion that makes this place feel like home.”

As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Iryna’s energy and commitment to her craft. Bakery on 5th is more than just a place for treats; it’s a hub of creativity and delicious flavors. If you’re in Erie, be sure to stop by at 502 State St, Erie, PA 16501, You might even leave with a smile—and maybe a little cream on your face!

Ghani

Erie, PA

10/01/2024

Stay Tuned! An exclusive interview with Maftuna Rakhimova, the owner of Bakery on 5th, is coming soon! Get ready to learn about her vision and what makes our bakery special. Keep an eye out for the release!

Business Hours

Monday -> Sunday

6am -> 5pm

LUNCH TIME: 11:30am to 1pm