When Samra Alic left the corporate world to pursue her passion, she discovered that she had found the perfect recipe for fulfillment.
In May, the Summerdale resident claimed her piece of the pie and opened Dalicia Bakery and Coffee Shop in Harrisburg, a stone’s throw from HACC’s Midtown campus.
The ebullient proprietress greeted me with a big smile and a hearty greeting when I entered the charming shop that once housed a salon. I remarked on the chalk pastry art that decorates the walls, and she told me that her daughter had created the cute cake drawings on squares of chalkboard paint.
Walls in hues of sage and tangerine complement the tan tables spaced comfortably around the room. Chair backs containing cutouts that resemble floating coffee cups with steam rising add a bit of whimsy to the décor.
Alic pointed out other special touches.
“See the sign?” she said, pointing to the window emblazoned with the business name. “If you look closely, you’ll see the word ‘Alic’ in there.
And, indeed, the endeavor is a family affair, with her husband Mirsad, daughter Ajla and son Ajdin all contributing in one manner or another.
Originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia, Alic learned to bake at a young age and credits her grandmother for cultivating her talent.
“She taught me all the traditional stuff,” she said.
By age 18, she had fled her troubled home country.
“I was lucky that I could leave,” she said.
As a young woman, Alic spent time in Germany, where she met her husband and honed her skills by working in a bakery. Because of the country’s location in central Europe, she was able to travel to Italy and France to gain even more insight into the bakery business. Today, she pays tribute to those regions with small pictures placed around the restaurant.
In addition to the baked goods, Dalicia’s menu features simple, healthy fare. Breakfast offerings include a “hot pocket,” just not the ubiquitous, frozen, processed kind. Alic’s “hot pocket” is a creamy mixture of egg, cheese and vegetables wrapped in a choice of homemade bread. Other early morning options include Belgian waffles with peanut butter and banana, Nutella or fresh fruit and a yogurt-and-fruit parfait.
Vegetarians, in particular, will enjoy Dalicia.
Patrons can choose from among hot sandwiches like the “Garlic Lovers,” with red peppers, onions, feta cheese and herbs served between two warm slices of artisan garlic bread; the “Roasted Pepper Wheaty,” comprised of mixed roasted peppers, leeks, zucchini and mozzarella on ciabatta; and the “Veggie Sandwich,” with pesto, mushrooms, mozzarella and provolone on artisan vegetable bread.
Cold sandwiches include the “Skinny,” a low-calorie option that includes cream cheese, provolone, cucumbers and tomatoes served on wheat bread; the “tomato basil,” with provolone, tomato, avocado and lettuce on tomato basil bread; and the house wrap on wheat or white, with provolone, vegetables and cheese.
It may seem a bit incongruous to offer healthy fare with baked goods, but Alic succeeds in appealing to those who are calorie conscious but want a little bite of something to satisfy their sweet tooth. With one peek into the glass case located up front, you’ll see that there are plenty of wee-bites from which to choose.
In addition to mini-bonbons and adorable little chocolate mousse cups, Dalicia offers cheesecake, brownies, cannoli, tiramisu and some of the moistest, cream-filled cupcakes you’ll ever taste. Pair any of these with a cup of Little Amps coffee served onsite, and you’ll have a perfect match.
Chris Scott, manager at Midtown Scholar Bookstore up the street, said he is happy for the additional dining option and the reasonable prices.
“I love that everything is vegetarian, but even those who aren’t vegetarian will likely appreciate having nice, light options,” he said.
Scott was glad to learn that the business is open on Mondays, too.
“So many places in this area are closed on Monday,” he said.
One of Scott’s favorite choices is the “Skinny Sandwich” paired with one of many varieties of infused waters like pineapple tangerine, peach mango, lemon mint, berry and ginger cucumber.
As for business, Alic said that things are going well so far.
“I’m reaching my goal,” she said. “And my favorite part about it is seeing their faces when they like it, and I see more and more people coming back.”
Alic said that she is thrilled to be able to finally fulfill her dream and create her idea of the perfect coffee shop and bakery. And, today, Midtown is just a little sweeter for it.
Dalicia Bakery and Coffee Shop is located at 1419 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg. To learn more, call 717-525-7496 or visit www.daliciabakery.com or their Facebook page.
