After my lunch at M. Wells, I couldn't resist a visit to the Astor Bake Shop. Not that I needed it or anything after my rich filling of Gravlax Pie, but I had a sweet craving so I thought "what the hell" and went for it.
I arrived in the middle of the day to find the place nicely populated, with sporadic tables filled with people enjoying their sweets.
My eyes immediately settled on the pretty display case. Everything was intricately arranged and looked elegant - from cupcakes to tarts, cakes and cookies, it all looked inviting. After some deliberation, I came to a decision and chose the following goodies:
Apple/Hazelnut Tart - I'm a sucker for apple desserts and this one was also paired with one of my favorite nuts. Overall, this dessert was as delicious as it looked and my favorite aspect was the soft/crumbly topping made with hazelnuts. I liked that some of the hazelnuts remained chunky, indulging your mouth in some nice crunching action. The apple component was yummy too, tender and not overly sweet, just the way I like it.
Oatmeal Cherry Cookie - Since I've never had an Astor cookie, I just had to try one with dried cherries and oatmeal. Immediately I saw the harmony in this combination, as the slightly sour taste of the cherries complemented the earthiness of the granola. This treat was crunchy on the outside yet remained chewy on the inside - surely the sign of a good cookie.
Service and Cost:
I was served by a very friendly employee whose attitude was very sweet, just like the goods he was selling.
Both treats mentioned above amounted to $6.23 - not cheap but the quality outweighs the cost, I think.
3 Mmmms
Astor Bake Shop - 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102
718.606.8439
www.astor-bakeshop.com
This place is a gem in the middle of a desolate part of town. The burgers and the baked goods are delicious. But the service is still not where it should be. This place has become a hot spot for meals and brunch, not just a bakery. But the staff never appears up for the task. We stopped one weekday, mid-morning, and there was one young lady behind the register. Children running amok, and it was like we were invisible. At least they try harder during brunch and evening hours.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your note. Service was good when I was there, but I'm sorry to hear that it's not always up to snuff. Hopefully that will improve.
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