It is rather a new, upscale and modern Pastry Shop & Café, offering selection of baked goods and savory items. Always good to see a new place opening up. The inside was not too big, but not too tiny. They had the kitchen right there, so we got to see them creating their cute truffle chocolates. The pastry chef greeted us with a warm smile, which was extra nice. They had 2 tables, and counter seats by the windows. Not much seating, but I guess it is more a pick-up-and-go kind of place.
In there, they had soooooo many beautiful looking pastries, chocolates, cookies, cakes...you name it they had it! They also had refrigerated window showcase, in here, they had cakes, mousse, and cupcakes, fruit tarts, etc. and they all looked great and pretty... It was a dessert heaven in there for sure.
We bought a few things to eat inside the shop, and then bought some more to take home with. Everything was really great, tasty, and high quality.
Overall, I was super happy with the discovery of this new pastry shop. Their pastries and desserts are all very well made, high quality, and very pretty as well. The craftsmanship speaks loud. The staff here was really nice, I didn't get her name but she was very kind, warm, and helpful. The quality of her service was parallel to the quality of sweets. We were almost surprised at such warm service at pastry shop in NYC... which is sad, I know. But it certainly was a pleasant surprise. We will definitely go back again for more of their wonderful, delicious creations!!! Read my full review on my food blog,...
   Read moreThis is a nice little bakery shop in Inwood. I've been here twice to try their pastries (haven't tried their lattÚs yet). So far, I've had their:
Vienese Apple Strudel - 1/5. I was expecting it to taste like an apple pie. Definitely did not.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake - 3.5/5. It's pretty good considering they make it on the spot. It's nothing like S&S Cheesecake though, but still worth trying.
Chocolate Chunk Brownie - 3/5. It's a hybrid of a chocolate chip cookie and a brownie (hence, the name). Honestly, I like my cookies soft and easily breakable. I had to heat it up at home in order to get that consistency. I'm pretty sure you can ask them to heat it up on the spot for you if you decide to dine in.
Chocolate Macarons - 5/5. Probably the best macarons you'll find in Washington Heights and Bronx area. The only other spot I know that sells macarons is Mon Amour in 231st (Bronx) and theirs is not as good. Their macarons aren't as good as Laudree's, but they're good enough.
Caramel Hiney Croissant Dipped in Chocolate - 5/5. Definitely the MUST try pastry in here. It's a mixture of a croissant and caramel and chocolate. It's really good. And not too sweet either.
The decor of the place and the friendliness of the staff both get a 5/5. You can see where they make the pastries in the back. It's a small spot that can sit up to maybe 3 people per table (the rest are 2 seaters). Also note that their pastries aren't too sweet. That's a plus for me.
Overall, I give it a 4/5. Highly...
   Read moreChocnyc is hands-down our favorite cafe/bakery in Inwood (actually, when I think about it, it might be our favorite in all of Manhattan...). My husband has yet to locate an espresso superior to theirs (I know because every time he has one somewhere else he compares it to the gold standard of Chocnyc's).
In addition to the great espresso, everything that Chocnyc makes is delicious. Pro tip: go after 12 noon and their daily batch of baguettes will be ready to take home. :)
Edit: 06/14/2023 - Chocnyc is still our favorite place to pick up coffee and a delicious pastry, financier, scone, biscotti, etc. (there's too many to list), but sadly the baguettes were a victim of the pandemic (everyone decided to start making their own) and the owner said they weren't selling as well so they had to stop making them.
We also get our special occasion sweets from Chocnyc, too. It's super convenient that they usually have smaller single serving versions of their larger items. Regardless of whether we need a few larger items to bring to my sister's house for Thanksgiving or smaller items when it's just us two, Chocnyc...
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