Pastry Garden takes the cake

Emma Epstein Life Editor

I discovered The Pastry Garden while searching for a friend’s birthday cake, and I almost wish I hadn’t, because I haven’t been able to stop going back. The little yellow house next to Adams Fairacre Farms on Route 44 keeps reeling me in with its promises of friendly service, a cozy atmosphere, and most of all, delicious pastries.

According to the shop’s Web site, owners Stephanie and Anthony Principe opened the Route 44 location in December 1984. With business booming, they expanded to four locations by 1993. Office Assistant Lisa Johnson said that business has continued to grow because of the chain’s unique identity in the Hudson Valley; it is the only Kosher bakery in the area and solicits much of the area’s wedding cake business. Readers of the Poughkeepsie Journal have named it the best bakery in the Hudson Valley 10 years in a row.

Within seconds of entering the homey locale, I was offered assistance by a salesperson who waited patiently while I chose between a plethora of cakes, pastries and cookies. The store features dozens of different cakes that are as gorgeous as they are delicious. Customer favorites include the chocolate mousse cake and the carrot cake, which salespeople offer to emblazon with messages on the spot. In addition to cakes, the bakery showcases rows upon rows of cookies and pastries. I picked eight of the yummiest-looking for a taste test.

The best by far was the cannoli, with its hint of cinnamon flavor. The chocolate mousse cup was also scrumptious, and perhaps Nilda should sweat the competition presented by the buttery, flaky cookies of all varieties. The mini-cheesecake, however, was very dry. The éclair’s pastry was also dry, but its filling balanced of creaminess and sweetness.

Best of all, these sweet-tooth indulgences only cost me a total of $6. Six-inch cakes cost $13.95 and feed six people. Cookies are sold at $10.95 per pound, which totals 25-30 cookies. Mini pastries cost $12.95 per pound.

Johnson said that most customers order their goodies to go, but the store contains numerous sitting areas, a cozy fireplace, and a coffee bar for those who wish to sit and linger over their sugary treats.

So the next time you’re looking for a spectacular birthday cake, a sweet pick-me-up, or an afternoon spent over a cup of coffee and a sugary delight, I highly recommend The Pastry Garden. Just watch out, as the strong appeal of the treats inside will probably prove troublesome for your waistline.

The Pastry Garden is located at 199 Dutchess Turnpike in Poughkeepsie and can be reached at (845) 473-5220. Its hours are 8 a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.