Magnolia Bakery – Downtown Magazine

Pumpkin cheesecake. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

There is no doubt that fall is the best season for baking. All of the pumpkin and apple specials that can be found in restaurants and bakeries make everything more seasonal and delicious. We headed uptown for Magnolia Bakery’s Flavors of Fall to taste some fresh and seasonal treats.

Sarah, the PR director for Magnolia Bakery, kindly received us for a tasting at the store located in the Upper West Side. The scent of cranberry could be smelled all around the block. Even if the streets weren’t laden with the colorful leaves of fall, we could instantly tell that it was the season we love from the smells of all the seasonal baked goods.

To present the fall menu we will start with the beverages. They had a chai latte, a typical fall drink that can’t be forgetten; a cranberry and pear bellini, a combination you would never think sounds good but is truly amazing; and of course the pumpkin spice latte, a world favorite.

The desert menu was a little more in depth and, believe us, you have to try everything! The harvest apple cupcake, pumpkin pecan cupcake and the gingersnap whoopie pie were all incredible. Our two personal favorites, the pumpkin cheesecake with cranberry topping and the cranberry-pear crumble will both leave you speechless. They are both perfect selections for Thanksgiving Day.

So head out to Greenwich Village to Magnolia Bakery to try these delicious tastes of fall and place your order for Thanksgiving. Magnolia Bakery can be found at 401 Bleecker Street and West 11th Street.

Store hours: M-TH: 9am – 11:30pm / F-Sa: 9am-12:30am / Sun: 9am-11:30pm.

-Maria Zanetti

Pumpkin-Pecan Cupcake. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

Harvest Apple Cupcake. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

Pumpkin Pecan Bar. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

Pink Ribbon cupcake for Breast Cancer Awareness. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pie. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

Boo Cupcakes for Halloween. Photo: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

Let’s face it: New York is stressful. With the constant city hustle and bustle, everyone’s longing to find the perfect place to relax, snack on some treats, and enjoy light entertainment. But contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers needn’t go far to find this kind of haven. In fact, relaxation can be found in one of New York’s busiest hubs: The Grand Central Station.

From August 18th to the 22nd, Grand Central Station will be set with picnic tables covered in white tablecloth, creating a re-imagined Vanderbilt Hall. While enjoying food, guests will have the opportunity to watch live performances, including “Broadway Hour,” featuring performances from hit musicals Chicago, Motown, Pippin, and Cinderella. Additional dance and musical artists include iLuminate, Revolution in the Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter, the Big Apple Circus and musicians from the MTA’s Music Under New York program. Food will be served thanks to Café Spice, Ceriello Fine Foods, Ciao Bella Gelato, Financier Patisserie, Junior’s Bakery, Li-Lac Chocolates, Magnolia Bakery, Manhattan Chili, Murray’s Cheese, Pescatore Seafood Co., Tri Tip Grill, Two Boots Pizza and Zaro’s Bakery.

Don’t miss out on this special affair. Stay updated about the events and performances, by following @GrandCentralNYC on Twitter and Grand Central Terminal on Facebook.

What: Life’s A Picnic in Grand Central Station.

When: August 18th to the 22nd.

Where: Grand Central Station.

-Angelica Gianni