During the holiday break, I wandered over to La Guli Pastry Shop. Pleasantly taunted by the photos of sweets they’ve been putting up on their Facebook page, I couldn’t just be an on-looker, I had to taste.
When I walked in, the place was buzzing, and rightfully so, as it was holiday time. Marveling at their beautiful display of holiday cakes and cookies, I appreciated these items, but knew they’re only there temporarily, so instead, I focused on their classics such as the cookies and pastries. Here’s what caught my eye:
Sfogliatelle – The beautiful shape of these pastries drew me in immediately and I could tell they’d be crispy to the bite even just by looking at them. There were two sizes, including a medium and large, which was a good option, especially since I just ate a big-ish lunch and wanted a little taste of something sweet.
I ended up buying one and biting into it at the shop. Wow! The flakiness of that crust was magical and while you had to eat it with a napkin under your chin (it’s very crumbly), I just loved all the freshness and flavor found in each bite. The filling found in the middle was spectacular as well, consisting of sweet, creamy ricotta cheese with a distinct but not overpowering flavor of orange. If you adore a little hint of dessert that’s not overly sweet, this one’s for you.
Brutti e Buoni – Even though I didn’t end up buying these cookies, I was so delighted when I saw them, as they remind me of the time I spent at Tasty Tuscany. Brutti means ugly in Italian, which is meant to represent the irregular shape of these meringue cookies. But don’t be fooled by their looks, as these little treats are anything but brutti in your mouth.
Service and Cost:
In quintessential La Guli fashion, the service was pretty standard but not exemplary, which I’ve come to expect here.
Costs are moderate and my sfogliatelle set me back about $3, while the cookies range between $9-$14/pound. They have so many varieties, so go ahead, drop in, and explore!
3 Mmmms
La Guli Pastry Shop – 29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.728.5612
N/Q Train to Ditmars (last stop)
laguli.com
Happy Valentine's Day Astoria. I hope you're having a lovely day or a fantastically planned night with your loved ones (whoever that may be for you). In addition to my V-Day restaurant round-up, I also wanted to supply you with an impromptu mini round-up of V-Day desserts sold only today at your local Astorian bakeries.
Astor Bake Shop - A very sweet Valentine extravaganza has hit this awesome sweet shop, where you can get anything and everything from homemade chocolates, lollipops, cookies, chocolate mousse cake, tiramisu cake, raspberry marshmallows with Belgian chocolate casing and so much more. Prices range from $3.25 - $24.95. 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria. 718.606.8439
Artopolis - Never having a shortage of delicious Greek cookies, cakes and even savory specialties, Artopolis is ringing in V-Day with their 6 or 8 inch chocolate hearts and specialty gift baskets. Prices run between $5.50 for the hearts to $45 for a big love basket full of yummies. 23-18 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.8484
Martha's Country Bakery - Known primarily for their cupcakes, they're having a special V-Day version that's strawberry flavored. If you're looking for variety, you can also choose their V-day chocolate mousse cakes or the decadently dipped chocolate strawberries. Prices range between $2.25 for the strawberries and $25/$30 for the cakes. 36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.545.9737
Frank's Bakery - If you're in the mood for traditional Italian cakes & pastries, try Frank's Bakery on 30th Avenue. Their V-Day offering includes heart shaped cakes with classic buttercream frosting, cupcakes and even fruit tarts. Cupcakes are priced at $2.25 while the cakes and the tarts range between $19.95 - $24.95. 36-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.7813
Terrizzi Pastry Shop - Just a few steps away fro Frank's, you've got Terrizzi, which is also on the traditional side and so, so delicious. This V-Day check out their chocolate mousse or red velvet hearts, cupcakes and even cute little petit fours. Prices range between $11.95 - $29.95 for the bigger items. 35-14 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.9698
