March 1st is the opening day for Levain Bakery on FDB/8th Avenue and the welcome bench was already set outside this morning. A wondering photographer just sent in the above photos of the second branch of the famous Upper West Side bakery that is located between 116th and 117th Street. Offerings on hand included baked scones, italian baked raspberry jelly donuts, brioche and the massive cookies that the bespoke bakery is known for. There's also coffee in back but nothing really savory out in the front during the morning hours. The news of Levain's opening was not unheard of since a trickle of early customers were seen arriving early on. This one looks like the real deal so drop on buy and welcome them to the neighborhood.
$4 for a cookie?
ReplyDeleteDropped in this morning and found the Raspberry Bomboloncini thing and it's the closest thing I've found to an English doughnut this side of the ocean. No idea exactly what a Bombo..is, but it was delicious and didn't taste fake like a lot of baked goods over here.
ReplyDeleteNice -- hope to make it over soon.
ReplyDeleteSM: I think we've all paid more than that for confections that are not half as good as this. Once you get over the "$4 cookie" conceptual problem, it's not really so bad (especially if you're splitting it with someone or saving half for later)...
CBR—ok in theory. . . but the chance of my sharing it or saving a cookie is slim to none. So I have to repeat—$4 for a cookie?
ReplyDeleteMaybe I’ll stand outside with my nose pressed to the window making small whimpering sounds and someone will take pity on me. Because chocolate and peanut butter are just the best combination EVER.
@ Sanou's Mum...one of those massive cookies definitely has enough calories for a day and enough sugar for a week...not bad for $4.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Levian, I hope I do not go to often ;)
Just received a question about seating which is basically not available since the bakery is pretty much a pickup counter. They serve coffee as mentioned above but just for take away service.
ReplyDeleteThere's a bench outside.
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to this opening, but $4 a cookie?! No brownies, bread, or any other pastry option. Who's their target audience?
ReplyDeleteIn all fairness, what they had on offer looked great, but JKA, I'm with ya on the lack of other options. Aren't they famous for the cinnamon rolls? Might have missed it, but I didn't them available this morning. Proper seating would be nice. Anybody know if they can expand if things go well?
ReplyDeleteTheir store on W. 74th is very small, too -- just a bakery with a very small counter (2-3 seats) for a quick coffee. They are a specialty bakery. And I have to say that while $4 seems steep for a cookie, these are special treats and well worth the occasional splurge. Places charge well over $4 for pastries or cakes that aren't nearly as good as these!
ReplyDeleteAt $4/cookie these are on the pricey side for the neighborhood. But! Levain's cookies are enormous and can easily be a filling snack for three people.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of other options may well be because today was only the first day the bakery was open.
By the way, does anyone know what's going on with Lee Lee's? It was closed last Friday morning and this morning.
I stopped in and was told that they will not be baking bread at this location, I second the thought "who is their target" I was really looking fwd to fresh bread! I had a cookie, it was like eating a bowl of cookie dough, delicious but no need to return for another
ReplyDeleteLes Ambassades bakery fills the need for fresh bread while Lee Lee's fills the need for the best rugelach in the country and Levain fills the need for a damn good cookie you could split with 4 friends. There's room for everyone!
ReplyDeletedrat-went in and no bread. Their bakery on 74 and amsterdam has the best bread in the city. I hope they will add bread ovens to the new shop.
ReplyDeleteA serious bread bakery would be great in harlem. Silver Moon opened where we used to be on the uws and always had lines out the door.
Good point zLiter. Les Ambassades has amazing bread along with other bite sized pastries that Levain do not carry. Definitely room for all!
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