Ovenly

Sept. 15, 2013

Ovenly is more known for their baked goods than their coffee but it is still worth reviewing because they supply the pastries for many of the best coffee shops out there! They also have a pretty fun blog, especially their 'Pleased To Meet You' series. Although I am posting this in December, I actually visited Ovenly in September and I am learning that they are now offering Wedding Cakes and other wedding goodies! As can be expected of a bakery, their website focuses on selling such things as: a holiday shortbread sampler, snacks, and even a gift box! But like many coffee shops, they are also offering classes but for baking, of course! These classes are being offered at The Brooklyn Kitchen.

A single bench outside for people who want to enjoy the day. I was wondering why they didn't take advantage of the space on the sidewalk more when I discovered a beautiful park at the end of the block! (more on that later)

I love the white herringbone tiles with touches of brass. The pastry display is backed with mirror, which I have mixed feelings on. I feel like it's a little harder to see what's what.

Again, I have mixed feelings about using mirror to write the menu on. It's a cool idea but I think it makes it difficult to read. 

I came at the end of the day as they were getting ready to close and so I had my pick of seating. The solid wall of windows is really the highlight of the space and makes what would otherwise be a small room seem much bigger.

I love how they package and display their signature Spicy Bacon Caramel Popcorn on a metal dowel attached to the counter and held with clips. Also, notice the Time Out New York: 2013 Food and Drink Award for Best New Bakery proudly displayed on the counter? And that's really a great chandelier!

 This whimsical wall-paper gives just the right touch of Mark Twain-iness (not a word, I know) to this otherwise very simple decorating scheme.

 Something about the combination of white-washed wood, dried flower arrangements, brass, and iron gave me the impression of a wild-west/Little House on the Prairie decorating style that was very open and comfortable.

Iced Ginger Hibiscus Tea & Goodies!

Although Ovenly uses Stumptown coffee, I decided to be adventurous and try the Iced Ginger Hibiscus Tea, which (a word of warning) does not come sweetened! haha! This is great for those who do not care for everything to come pre-sweetened (a la: Dunkin Doughnuts) but it's a bit surprising if you're not prepared for it. The ginger is very subtle and really more of an after-taste. The Hibiscus is truly the star of this drink and can be a bit overpowering, but I think this could have been remedied if I had countered it with a little more sweetener.

Super Dark Chocolate Brownie, Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Cupcake, and Salted Peanut Butter Cookie (gluten free)

These were all pretty great, but the Salted Peanut Butter Cookie was my favorite. It had a great texture and flavor and the salt was just right. I feel like you can't really go wrong with chocolate and the Super Dark Chocolate Brownie certainly delivered- my only critique being that it could have been darker. To me it still tasted a bit on the milk-chocolate side, but it was very smooth and not too sugary. The texture was dense and a bit cakey- very nice. The Pistachio cupcake was ok, I'm not a huge fan of icing in general but I could taste the pistachio which can be a challenge in this type of combo.

Transmitter Park

I was not expecting to find this park at the end of the block! It's a bit hidden by a tall fence and some ornamental grasses but what a great surprise! I saw a few other people walking into a small gate and after seeing a few groups go in, I got curious enough to check it out for myself. I was lucky enough to find it at a great time of day when the sun is just starting to set... so beautiful and definitely worth a stop.

Williamsburg Bridge