I had dinner with Meg and Charlene today, and we talked about our upcoming QueensSwap project (more on that soon). Breaking bread with these ladies is always enjoyable and fruitful since they're well connected to our nabe - Charlene, a more recent Astorian.
Through our conversation, Meg tipped off an interesting piece of news that I thought you might find useful. She mentioned that the still infantile, Cream Bakery on Steinway Street has closed. Some of you may be surprised and some may have downright expected it, but this little cupcakery is reported to be no longer functioning. I'll try to investigate about its possible future and the full story, but in the meantime, if you're in the mood for cupcakes you can still get some pretty damn great ones here:
Martha's Country Bakery - With any and every flavor you can imagine from your classic vanilla to red velvet, oreo and more, you can satisfy virtually any type of serious cupcake fiend. 36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.545.9737 Astor Bake Shop - It's no secret that this relative newbie has been producing solid, gourmet sweets, and I think it's safe to say they'll stay a while. Their cupcakes come in a big and mini size and flavors vary between double chocolate, coconut and red velvet. 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102. 718.606.8439
Terrizzi Pasticceria - Terrizzi veers on the side of traditional, and you know what they say..."if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I agree and think they have a great thing going. Their cupcakes are moist, the size is just perfect (not too large but not a mini) and flavors vary between pistachio, peanut butter, double chocolate, oreo, vanilla and more. 35-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.726.9698
Last week we celebrated my sister-in-law, Diana's birthday, and Astorian treats were included. I got an assortment of cupcakes and chocolate tiramisu from Terrizzi Pasticceria, my new favorite Italian bakery. Both items looked divine but the cupcakes outshined the tiramisu without competition.
Tiramisu - Although the above picture is impressive, this dessert unfortunately fit into the "looks better than it tastes" category. The inside looked gorgeous too with chocolatey dough and creamy-looking mascarpone filling. However, once I took a bite, my excitement faded. The cake was dry and flavorless and there was absolutely no amaretto flavoring. I know that tiramisu purists would argue against the latter even being necessary, but I happen to think it adds flavor and a nice kick. Although Diana's guests were too polite to say so, I think that everyone agreed with me--and the plates with leftover cake served as proof.
Cupcakes - The disappointment we felt about the tiramisu was more than compensated by the cupcakes. I bought five flavors including pistachio, peanut butter cup, double chocolate, oreo and vanilla. All were excellent and I especially loved the oreo and the rich frosting on top, which Terrizzi didn't skimp on. The best part was the dough, which was moist and somewhat dense. I prefer a denser cupcake texture, as I don't like to feel like I'm eating air. It was also fabulous that the rich frosting was stuffed into the cupcake dough, giving it an added bonus and a wonderful surprise that everyone seemed to love.
Cost:
Although the tiramisu was a let down, it wasn't bank breaking at $6 for a small cake. The cupcakes were also a good price at $2/piece. I got the medium sized cupcakes but you can also get bigger ones for $3.50/piece.
Terrizzi Pasticceria – 35-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.726.9698
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
After a second trip to BareBurger last night, Crystal and I paid a visit to Terrizzi Pasticceria for a sweet finish. I was in the mood for gelato and heard that it was quite excellent here. After we walked in, gelato wasn't the only thing on our minds, as we admired Terrizzi's sweet offering of gooey cupcakes, chocolate fudge mice, mini-pastries, cookies, cakes and so much more.
Despite the temptation of enticing treats, we stuck to our original plan--getting frozen desserts. I ordered a hazelnut gelato and Crystal opted for the chocolate ices. Both were scrumptious, refreshing, and tasted uncompromisingly homemade. The hazelnut gelato was not only creamy and decadent, it also contained crunchy pieces of hazelnuts, which made it more authentic and slightly rustic. It bothers me when gelato tastes artificial, but this one had no traces of unnatural flavors.
The ices was also good and quite refreshing on a hot, 90 degree day such as yesterday. Although it wasn't creamy like the gelato, it still contained a good deal of flavor and nice consistency. Crystal was quite happy with it, and judging by her empty cup, I'd say that she'd get it again in the future.Cost:
Although some of these goodies come at a premium, they are 100% worth it. A small cup of gelato set me back $4 and a medium cup of ices cost Crystal a mere $1.50. Needless to say, the ices was a better value but the gelato was definitely more flavorful. I'd recommend both - as well as any of their other frozen flavors such as pineapple, stacciatella, pistachio, chocolate, blueberry, raspberry and much more.
Terrizzi Pasticceria – 35-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.726.9698
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
I recently noticed that Terrizzi Pasticceria on 30th Avenue has been shut down. I couldn't understand why because it seemed like such a staple of the community, being in operation for almost 45 years.
Digging a bit deeper, using my clandestine investigative skills (aka calling Terrizzi,) I found out that the pastry shop isn't closing at all. Instead, they're reopening under their original management in about a week to a week and a half. How interesting! The nice man on the phone hinted that good changes will be coming, including exciting new menu items.
Look out for the new Terrizzi Pasticceria in the next week or so. I'll follow up with more details when I have them.
Terrizzi Pasticceria – 35-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103 718.726.9698
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
