It seems like new bakeries are popping up all over these days—and honestly, who’s complaining? In times like these, when stress levels are high, there’s something undeniably comforting about sinking your teeth into a plush éclair bursting with vanilla cream or savoring a bite of creamy cheesecake. Check out these three new bakeries if you’re looking for a sweet escape.
Team Dadzie Patisserie
This small but mighty French-style bakery is tucked away by Watsessing Park in Bloomfield. At Team Dadzie Patisserie, you’ll find expertly prepared buttery and flaky croissants ($3-4), scones ($4), muffins ($2.50), pound cake ($10), specialty desserts such as Choux au Craquelin—a type of cream puffs—custom cakes and more. They even make gelato!
Award-winning Chef Ebow Dadzie comes to our area from New York City, where he baked for top Manhattan hotels and restaurants. He also spent time in France, which explains his eye for detail and the delicious pain au chocolat! Dadzie has won many recognitions and accolades, including being named 2007 Pastry Chef of the Year by Paris Gourmet, the Medal of the French Government for Excellence in Pastry in 2010 and was named one of the top ten pastry chefs in America by Dessert Professional Magazine in 2014. He was also a pastry arts instructor at Monroe College’s Culinary Arts program.
Fair warning—you may go there for a few morning pastries, but you will walk out with a box full of irresistible delights and plans to return for more.
Team Dadzie Patisserie: 162 Glenwood Ave, Bloomfield, NJ 07003; (973) 826-7231; www.teamdadzie.com
She Imagined Sweets
This is a gorgeous shop specializing in bite-sized cheesecakes and other delectable treats. Owner and pastry chef Zuirrae McKinney launched her business in 2011 as a friend—and family-focused enterprise. Word spread about her delicious creations, and soon, she expanded her offerings to include a Traveling Dessert Party and, now, a vibrant flower-festooned shop called She Imagined Sweets on Valley Road in Montclair.
The creamy mini cheesecake flavors range from classic cheesecake, New York-style strawberry, banana pudding and seasonal specials such as cinnamon roll, all with a crunchy graham cracker crust. These are one-bite delights; if you feel demure, they can be served with a fancy mini fork. Grab a box of six ($12.99) or even a dozen ($22.99) for a great hostess gift! And there’s more —don’t sleep on the “The SIS Bar” ($7), a hefty milk chocolate drenched candy bar layered with sea salt caramel, hazelnut praline and Rice Krispy treats. Also obsession-worthy is the bag of assorted gummies ($11), toothsome treats featuring flavors such as peach, blue raspberry and watermelon. House-made chocolate bars ($10), a box of chocolate bonbons ($12.25), macaroons and more round out the offerings. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available.
Custom orders may be placed online and picked-up during store hours, which are Thursday, Friday and Saturdays starting at noon.
She Imagined Sweets: 147 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042; (917) 946-2923; www.sheimaginedsweets.com
Artazu Bakery Café
We’ve mentioned it before, but it is worth talking about again! Artazu Bakery Café is the latest addition to the growing Walnut Street food scene, featuring delicious baked treats with an Argentine/Uruguayan perspective. Think decadent butter pastry bursting with vanilla custard cream, dulce de leche-filled treats, cakes and savory items such as baked empanadas, crusty breads and sandwiches. It’s a convenient stop for commuters heading to the nearby train station. Grab a coffee and a hearty empanada, which would be satisfying enough to hold you until lunch.
Artazu Bakery Café is the sister bakery to the popular Rombiolo Bakery Café on Broughton Ave. in Bloomfield, owned by South American natives, Claudio & Natalia Lopez.
Artazu Bakery Café: 6 Depot Square, Montclair, NJ 07042; Entrance on Walnut Street. (973) 415-0017; Instagram @artazubakerycafe