Also stopped at Ando Bakery and Hani’s in the East Village on other days. Loved the Hochi cha parfait at Ando’s and the apricot coffee cake at Hani’s and wished I had come with a group so that we could share and sample. Hani’s has a lovely welcoming atmosphere and space to sit down. Ando is more of a pick up & take away your goodies kind of shop though equally friendly
Stopped at Elbow Breads with my sister and niece who were visiting NYC and told the staff I heard about it in your newsletter . Elbow nicely fit the Lower East Side history theme of the morning (Tenement Museum, Eldridge Street Synagogue). We loved the garlic bialy, pretzel & blueberry kolache ( was introduced to kolaches in Iowa back in the day).
I was visiting New York just after you, David, and had wonderful stops at Elbow Bakery (damn, the onion bialy, date nut sandwich, and challah sweet bun were SO good), Hani's, and Ci Siamo. Staff at both Elbow Bakery and Ci Siamo were delighted with your visits and said that you were so sweet.
Just finished reading this post and wiping the drool from my face. I LOVE baking like this but have never been to this bakery. Very hard to find top notch eastern European, "Jewish" baking in my Brooklyn neighborhood. I know if I tried harder, I could go to Avenue J and find a couple of bakeries, but now I want to go to Elbow Bakery! I grew up in a small "cow town," i.e. very rural in the 60's, in Connecticut, where we actually had a Jewish bakery on Main St. Delicious rye breads and other treats. We would also drive to Colchester, CT, another very rural area, to go to a fabric shop(my mom sewed our clothes), and would always stop at the Jewish bakery there. The best square jelly donuts I have ever tasted, plus authentic eastern European breads. I will pay homage to my culinary desires and make a pilgrimage to Elbow Bakery. Thank you!
I had their cardamom grinder that was filled with cardamom seeds, but someone used it and I can't find it anymore in my kitchen. I was going to pick one up on a recent trip to the U.S. but didn't have time. But it's a great way to have freshly, best quality ground cardamom at your fingertips.
I grew up here in Manhattan, as did my Mom. As a child, before the East Village, there was the Lower East Side, and we went there a lot. Mostly for shopping. Much of the food stays with me; including the street food, like sweet potatoes on carts, like hot dogs and pretzels. I still think of those Ratner’s onion rolls even now, since breakfast or lunch there was a very common start to our shopping day, so I know where I need to go!!
Went by on Friday. Long line, young, female, mostly Asian as fits the theme. Nothing looked familiar so decided to come back when I had more time to explore.
Those onion bialys take me waaay back to the (pre-chic) Brooklyn of my grandparents. Haven’t seen anything like those in ages. Along with potato knishes and pickles from the barrel, they were a rare treat. Will travel for those!
I don't know if Zöe has published any of her recipes in home-sized portions. Everything they make, makes dozens of pastries since they're baking in large quantities as the bakery is busy - and with good reason!
Also stopped at Ando Bakery and Hani’s in the East Village on other days. Loved the Hochi cha parfait at Ando’s and the apricot coffee cake at Hani’s and wished I had come with a group so that we could share and sample. Hani’s has a lovely welcoming atmosphere and space to sit down. Ando is more of a pick up & take away your goodies kind of shop though equally friendly
They're really nice at Hani's - and the counter is a lovely place to sit and eat your desserts. Wish I lived closer!
Stopped at Elbow Breads with my sister and niece who were visiting NYC and told the staff I heard about it in your newsletter . Elbow nicely fit the Lower East Side history theme of the morning (Tenement Museum, Eldridge Street Synagogue). We loved the garlic bialy, pretzel & blueberry kolache ( was introduced to kolaches in Iowa back in the day).
Will be in NY in August can’t wait to visit these places.
Hope you like it!
I was visiting New York just after you, David, and had wonderful stops at Elbow Bakery (damn, the onion bialy, date nut sandwich, and challah sweet bun were SO good), Hani's, and Ci Siamo. Staff at both Elbow Bakery and Ci Siamo were delighted with your visits and said that you were so sweet.
I had a wonderful time at those places - glad you got to visit too!
Just finished reading this post and wiping the drool from my face. I LOVE baking like this but have never been to this bakery. Very hard to find top notch eastern European, "Jewish" baking in my Brooklyn neighborhood. I know if I tried harder, I could go to Avenue J and find a couple of bakeries, but now I want to go to Elbow Bakery! I grew up in a small "cow town," i.e. very rural in the 60's, in Connecticut, where we actually had a Jewish bakery on Main St. Delicious rye breads and other treats. We would also drive to Colchester, CT, another very rural area, to go to a fabric shop(my mom sewed our clothes), and would always stop at the Jewish bakery there. The best square jelly donuts I have ever tasted, plus authentic eastern European breads. I will pay homage to my culinary desires and make a pilgrimage to Elbow Bakery. Thank you!
Nothing like a New York bakery sweep. Wow. Sounds glorious!
Burlap & Barrel cinnamons are amazing, as are all their spices! I think I have at least one of each spice they sell. So fresh!
I had their cardamom grinder that was filled with cardamom seeds, but someone used it and I can't find it anymore in my kitchen. I was going to pick one up on a recent trip to the U.S. but didn't have time. But it's a great way to have freshly, best quality ground cardamom at your fingertips.
I grew up here in Manhattan, as did my Mom. As a child, before the East Village, there was the Lower East Side, and we went there a lot. Mostly for shopping. Much of the food stays with me; including the street food, like sweet potatoes on carts, like hot dogs and pretzels. I still think of those Ratner’s onion rolls even now, since breakfast or lunch there was a very common start to our shopping day, so I know where I need to go!!
G-a-w-d! :)
Love having you write about the lower east side, as my son lives there. But he is gluten free. Any suggestions?
I don't know any gluten-free bakeries or restaurants in New York but I'm sure they have them (we have several in Paris)
You missed Papa D’Amour from Dominique Ansel which just opened on university place. Next trip!
Went by on Friday. Long line, young, female, mostly Asian as fits the theme. Nothing looked familiar so decided to come back when I had more time to explore.
Have you been?
Considering that you crossed the Atlantic to get to the bakery, I think it's fair game to order pretty much anything that strikes your fancy. Why not?
I loved the picture of the pretzel with the little fingers at the ends.
Those onion bialys take me waaay back to the (pre-chic) Brooklyn of my grandparents. Haven’t seen anything like those in ages. Along with potato knishes and pickles from the barrel, they were a rare treat. Will travel for those!
ME TOO!
Would you please leave a recipe for the honey challah buns and sweet pretzels? I would love to make both.
I don't know if Zöe has published any of her recipes in home-sized portions. Everything they make, makes dozens of pastries since they're baking in large quantities as the bakery is busy - and with good reason!
I miss Ratners a lot i remember when they used to put a basket of bagels and bread on the table ,boy would i go overboard eating them then!
The bread basket is always the best part of the meals I have had at Juniors. I miss Ratners too....