Of all Gotham’s tasty trends and foodie gems, there’s one sweet we always crave: macarons.
Photo by Kenneth Camara
With this EV patisserie’s Columbus Ave. expansion–which opened Thursday–couple and co-owners, Christina Ha and Simon Tung, are baking up an even bigger storm for the macaron-obsessed.
Photo by Kenneth Camara
Classic flavors (lemon, hazelnut, pistachio, raspberry chocolate) and their creative concoctions (including Thai chili, Earl gray, candied bacon with maple cream cheese and the infamous Cheetos) will still be available along with a wider selection of baked goods, all made fresh at the St. Mark’s kitchen. Newcomers include moist blueberry ricotta muffins, salted caramel chocolate cake slices, apple pie bites and gooey PB-filled chocolate chip cookies.
Photo by Kenneth Camara
To serve the area’s larger morning crowd, the shop will also offer savory breakfast scones and pretzels (bacon-gruyere, chipotle-cheddar), jam tarts and vegan and gluten-free muffins. And if you visit with a furry friend, homemade dog treats have debuted too.
Photo by Kenneth Camara
Most exciting for the uptown cafe is its full espresso bar addition. Thanks to generous donors on the couple’s Kickstarter page, diners are now invited to enjoy Blue Bottle-brewed cappuccinos, lattes and mochas (made with homemade chocolate ganache!) along with an array of Harvey and Sons teas.
Photo by Kenneth Camara
Though being the new kid in town is tricky, for Ha and Tung, something sweet makes it much easier. “The Upper West Side neighborhood has been extremely welcoming,” Ha says. “Some people have been stopping in just to say, ‘Hey! We’re so excited!’ It’s great.”
Photo by Kenneth Camara
Surrounded by a handful of animal hospitals and pet stores, Tung says they loved the idea of bringing something new and fun to the area. “We also wanted a different scene and there’s definitely more of a neighborhood feel here.”
Photo by Kenneth Camara
And as for the next big “Cheetos” flavor?
“We haven’t thought of that yet,” says Hung. “Hopefully once we’ve settled in. We’re just happy to be here!”
So are we.
Photo by Kenneth Camara
Photo by Kenneth Camara
Location: 560 Columbus Ave.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 7am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 8am-8pm