The German Pastry Shop is a favorite gathering place for Lakewood's large community of post-war German immigrants. Its pastry cases are stuffed with all the fresh-baked comforts of Germany: apple strudel, poppy seed rolls and apple and cherry crumb cakes—more than 20 varieties altogether. At lunchtime, owner/chefs Dominique and Sandra Lalange make sandwiches like Jagerwurst, Bierwurst and Bavarian loaf, and two soups daily, served in the bright and airy dining room. Server Katie Hays, who's worked here 42 years, says the deli is a reminder of home for the many German “war brides,” like herself, who followed husbands to Fort Lewis and stayed to make their homes in Lakewood. “On Saturdays, this place is packed,” she says. “Even people who have moved away come from all over the area to see their old friends.”