The Best Pastries at Three West Village Bakeries | Eater NY
"An all-day pasticceria/ristorante/gelateria that functions as a shrine to eleganza — marble surfaces, stylish packaging and even a grand piano on display — named for its Sicilian-born owner, Francesco, and part of a hospitality group whose holdings include Filaga Pizzeria and L’Arte Del Gelato in Chelsea Market. The gelato is singled out as the standout among a large selection of sweet things and is described as some of the best in the city. Skip the cookies (they range from disappointing to middling) and pass on the cannoli — they’re pre-stuffed, so their shells sog out in the refrigerated case. Pastry chef Giuseppe Zito’s entremets are technically well-executed and perfect to bring to a dinner party: the Fragolina is a stunner, shaped and colored like the wild strawberry, with the featured berry sitting in compote at the center of the confection, enveloped by a soft Haitian vanilla cream with a zing from lime zest. A signature entremet (available mini or large-format) brings two mousses together — one hazelnut, one chocolate — under a coating of shiny, dark-chocolate glaze, and fans of Swiss Miss pudding or Ferrero Rocher bonbons are likely to enjoy it. Zito was crowned the world champion for his panettone and has brought them to the shop; the reviewer says they’re looking forward to the holiday season." - Charlotte Druckman
