If you find yourself in New York’s cozy Greenwich Village neighborhood, don’t pass by the wonderful Magnolia Bakery, where you can go crazy over the selection of all kinds of cupcakes and other desserts, especially if you, like me, have a sweet tooth. Every time I’m in New York, I go there for breakfast one day to indulge in some delicious sweets. As a rule, I arrive right at the opening, because every hour there are more and more people, and the later you wake up, the more likely you are to wait in line. Together with the cupcakes I buy coffee there, and to enjoy my sweet breakfast without delay, I settle down in the coziest square, which is right next to the bakery at the intersection of Bleecker Street and 11th Street.
There are several Magnolias currently operating in New York City, but it was in Greenwich Village that the very first bakery opened in the summer of 1996. At that time, two enthusiasts Allisa Tori and Jennifer Apple, hiring only three employees – a baker, a dishwasher and a barista, opened a small bakery, which initially offered only 4 types of bread, some cinnamon rolls and a few other pastries. The bread was soon phased out because it was time-consuming to produce and more space was needed. But then the cupcakes were born, which made Magnolia world-famous. It was originally conceived as a simple home bakery, intended only for residents of the neighborhood and open from morning until 6 pm. But not even a year later, the cupcake craze literally began! At first, local residents who were ready to buy delicious cupcakes not only in the morning, but also in the late evening succumbed to the frenzy, because of which the hours of operation were increased, and Magnolia began to work until midnight. But soon not only New Yorkers, but also tourists began to come for sweets from Magnolia. In order to buy the coveted cupcakes, it was necessary to stand then a decent queue. Now the matter is much easier, because the network has grown and bakeries have opened in several more districts of the city. During its existence Magnolia Bakery has changed owners and staff, but their wonderful cupcakes have always remained unchanged! There are a lot of them, different colors and tastes, and almost always there are some limited collections, timed to some events. And the desserts are prepared right in front of you – the kitchen is open and you can hang around for a long time watching pastry chefs decorate cakes or the same cupcakes.
Magnolia also had “black days”. For example, in 2007 it was closed by the Department of Health because of non-compliance with accepted standards. But on the same day when this happened the mayor’s office was flooded with calls demanding that the bakery be reopened immediately. The mayor was forced to make concessions and Magnolia was allowed to open in a couple of days, of course, on the condition that all the deficiencies would be corrected.
It is also worth noting that Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street has become a real star! It has been featured in many movies and TV shows, but perhaps its greatest fame came when it appeared in season 3 of Sex and the City – Carrie and Miranda were eating their cupcakes so appetizingly on a bench next to the bakery that Magnolia instantly became a must-visit for many fans of the show. The bench, by the way, has now been removed, but the photo proof proudly paints on the entrance.
As I wrote above, there are several Magnolia Bakery currently operating in New York City. In addition, there are bakeries in Chicago and Los Angeles. The current owners have grandiose plans to expand the chain – they are going to open 120 more establishments around the world in the next 5 years! But, even if Magnolia opens near your home, I highly recommend that if you find yourself in New York, stop by this nice cozy bakery on Bleecker Street to indulge in a delicious cupcake, I’m sure you will never forget it and the atmosphere created there!