Servelloism

Since we are talking about chocolate, I thought I’d talk about a passion of mine bakeries. A little vice I picked up from my Dad. I remember when I lived in Portland, Oregon how much I enjoyed going to NW 23rd to go to Papa Hyden’s. Their desserts made it more of an experience than just simply having a great dessert. NYC, as always, blows away the competition. Here are some of my favorites and I hope I remember all of them.

1. Café Bouley. I went here on a recommendation from a person who had been to a lot of NYC restaurants. They raved about it, so I decided to take my wife there during on of our trips to the city. Talk about an experience, Bouley has it down. They used to have this dessert called “Sweet Pleasures” a recreation of a popular Pierre Herme classic. It was fantastic. But it didn’t begin nor end there. Dessert was served in courses. First they bring out creative sorbet soup. This is can very in flavors but usually is comprised of a cold juice in bowl with three scoops of sorbet. Then comes the Dessert you ordered along with coffee. After you have finished your dessert they bring out a tiered tray of petite fours (little French-style cookies). Disclaimer: I haven’t been to Bouley in a while (about 2 years), so I’m not sure if they still do things the same. I do know they opened one of the best bakeries in NY across the street from their original location at 126 West Broadway. If you want great French pastries and bread this is definitely the place to go.
2. French pastries. Ever since I visited France 7 years ago I have been a connoisseur of French pastries. If you love French pastries you have to check these places out. First, Ceci Cela on Spring Street in Soho. If you go ,everything is good but I would recommend chocolate-almond croissants, the pistachio madelines, or the chocolate éclair. By the way, you can order their croissants pre-made and they will ship them to you. The other French bakery located on the same street is Balthazar. All of their tarts and pastries are great. If you like cakie brownies, try theirs. Its my wife’s favorite. The third French bakery is located uptown. Payard is one of the only places anywhere that makes French macaroons.
3. Italian Bakeries. Well, let me say this, I don’t know if i’m partial to Utica, but I have had cannoli in Italy, NYC, and NE but I have to say while others can be good none can beat Caruso’s on Bleeker in Utica. I say this because anyone in the city talks about Veniero’s. I’ve been there and it’s okay. The best Italian Bakery I have been to in Manhattan would have to be La Bella Ferrara (not Ferraras) located on Mulberry close to Canal. My grandmother used to buy me Biscotti from here.  Outside of Manhattan, there are a couple I would recommend but definitely not worth the drive.
4. Cupcakes. About six years ago my cousin told me about a bakery on Bleeker where they were lining up to buy cupcakes. He told me where it was and my wife and I went. The place is none other than Magnolia Bakery. It’s been n movies and featured in SNL skits. The desserts are great. Not just the cupcakes. Second, is one we recently found, Crumbs. My wife got the Hostess,  named for the famous hostess chocolate cupcake with cream in the middle, She loved it.
5. Bruno Bakery, last but not least is another great place. If you go, I’m sure you’ll be puzzled for hours on what to order.

Those are mine and my wife’s favorites. I’m sure you’ll love them as well. However, the great thing about NY is comparable to what I like about the Word of God (if i can make that comparison). No matter how much you think you know it, there is always some great place that you run into that has been there for years and you just didn’  t know about it.