BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP MAY 11 - MAY 17, 2018 41
DINING OUT
Sweet sensations
in the Ridge
BY MEAGHAN MCGOLDRICK
MMCGOLDRICK@BROOKLYNREPORTER.COM
However small its flagship
shop, the variety of delicacies
at PEP Bakehouse and Coffee
Shop – a new addition to Bay Ridge’s
busy Third Avenue strip – is almost
beyond comprehension.
Tucked away in an adorable, albeit
humble, space between 93rd and 94th
Streets, PEP showcases everything
from cookies and cakes to innovative
pastries, croissants and, of course,
good coffee.
PEP’s highly skilled master chef adheres
to the oldest and “best” European
and international recipes, into which
they also incorporate fresh, local and
natural ingredients. Constantly working
to improve upon itself, PEP focuses
on the partnership between the ingredients
in any given recipe and the end
result is something extra special.
First, we sampled the bakery’s
unique “Bubble Hazelnut” ($4.50), a
light and airy pastry loaded with flavor
but not too heavy on the stomach.
Its graham crackery crust was the
filling’s perfect complement – a true
example of PEP’s dedication to harmony.
Topped with, of course, a hazelnut,
this pastry was certainly a standout.
Next, we dove into a piece of PEP’s
“Opera Pistachio” ($4.50). Another
large-portioned mini-pastry, it was
light but packed with taste. The cake
is any pistachio-lover’s dream and its
layers of dark chocolate kept us coming
back for seconds (and thirds). Topped
with a mini French Macaron (we’ll get
to those – trust us), this pastry is a steal
for the price – and boy, is it delicious.
Naturally, we also requested to try
the bakery’s “Facebook famous” French
Macarons. As soon as PEP opened, talk
of the new coffeehouse flooded the social
media site with more Ridgeites than
not raving about the shop’s delectable
(and particularly affordable) macarons.
Priced at just $1.80 a pop (prices
throughout the neighborhood and the
city usually start anywhere from $2 to
$2.50), these international cookies are a
clear choice for top contender.
Available in an array of flavors – we
sampled strawberry, pistachio, chocolate
and coconut (though, after going back on
my own accord, this writer can attest to
the bubblegum macaron – yes, the bubblegum
macaron – being her personal
favorite) – the macarons are large in size
and loaded with filling — though, not too
much filling. It is the perfect blend – a
theme that reigns supreme at PEP.
Of course, we washed our sweet treats
down with a rich and powerful cappuccino
(PEP prides itself on serving “the
best Italian coffee”). With all that, on top
of stellar vegetarian and vegan options
– and a special 50 percent discount on
croissants after 7 p.m. – there’s no way
you can go wrong at PEP. They even do
custom macarons, pastries, cupcakes
and cakes – and they’ll cater your birthday
party or breakfast meeting.
We may have a new favorite bakery
PEP BAKEHOUSE
AND COFFEE SHOP
9413 Third Avenue
(203) 742-9763
www.pepbakerycafe.com
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
31st & 3rd • sunset Park • Brooklyn
featured event • mark your calendar
live from Brooklyn
Nick Malgieri
TV PERSONALITY, PASTRY CHEF & AUTHOR
SUNDAY, MAY 20 | 3:00
Join Nick and learn how to
make homemade pastas.
Delicious dishes include
Parmesan Cheese Fettuccine
with Basil Pesto.
NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED
Visit BEDBATHANDBEYOND.COM/BROOKLYN for event updates, videos & recipes
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by Meaghan McGoldrick
A variety of sweet treats.