Rachael B.
Yelp
Have you ever had the experience of biting into something and it's so good it makes you feel angry at it?
I am always very excited when a small establishment comes to the East Village, but especially when it is a place that can satisfy my sweet tooth! I visited The Pastry Box for the first time today and I was not disappointed. I decided to buy an assortment of items. Here's thoughts on three particularly noteworthy treats:
The Brown-Butter Brownies: If you go and only get one thing, get this. These brownies appear on the smaller side--don't worry. They pack a punch. They have the thinnest veil of a shell on top and the inside brings to mind words like luscious, gooey, regal, thick. The brown butter adds a subtle nuttiness and richness to the chocolate. If you like a fudge-like brownie, this is the brownie for you. The owner Tiara must have mixed the wet and dry ingredients for half a second to get this consistency and not undercook the brownie. Impressively executed. A final note: all brownies should have some salt flakes on top to enhance the flavor, and these brownies have that, as well. When my partner took a bite of this brownie, he immediately said, "GOOD LORD." So yeah, try this.
The Madelines: Small, cakey, orange-scented maybe? Sweet but not too sweet. Also addictive... I could see myself eating a dozen of these in a row if I bought that many. I think these would be absolutely lovely with a strong hot tea in the morning or afternoon.
The Strawberry-Jelly Donut: I loved this doughnut. I loooooooved this doughnut. Okay I'm Jewish, and a New Jersey transplant, so I've had my share of jelly doughnuts over the years. I'm required. I find the jelly doughnut is an unsung hero, so I will sing its praises here. Normally they are heavily dusted with confectionary sugar (YUM) and these were, instead, encased in glaze. My doctor told me I need to watch my cholesterol [enjoy eating whatever you want while you're young, 20-somethings...] and I am probably never gonna hit the numbers I'm supposed to hit because this doughnut is the SHEEEEIT. Why aren't more jelly doughnuts glazed? These little fried demons were nice and moist, which I am at least partially attributing to that glaze. Smart move, there. The jelly inside was absolutely delicious. Very fresh, not so much as to be cloying, not so little as to leave the inner cake seeming dry. I could find nothing wrong with this doughnut. I want one every day, forever. I won't do that because I wanna live past 39 but I'll treat myself more than I should. There was another flavor, but I only tried this one! God help me. 10/10
Finally, and surprisingly, The Cold Brew Coffee: This was some robust coffee!! Regretfully, I didn't ask about the beans, because I wasn't expecting it to be anything but average. You never know what kind of sludge someone is going to serve you when you get coffee from a non-coffee establishment. This was a genuinely good coffee that required no milk or sugar. Side note: I do not know if this practice will continue, but mine came with no ice. Pro-move in my opinion, because the coffee was already plenty chilled and ice dilutes the coffee in a way that kind of hurts my heart when it's still something-AM and I don't want to live life until caffeine hits my bloodstream. Many places will add ice to cut costs, I suspect, and I appreciated getting a more concentrated cup with more actual coffee. I need every drop.
Extra thoughts on ambiance: Despite feeling cranky and uncomfortable from the damp weather, I felt immediately happier upon entering the shop because the owner Tiara was very warm and welcoming. Another employee, Chin, was both friendly and funny! PLEASE eat here so it flourishes and I can fill my smushy belly with all the doughnuts I desire.
