Sweet Tooth

Leli's Bakery is a relatively new addition to the 30th avenue strip and is fast becoming my go-to sweets spot in the neighborhood.  From what I gather, Leli's is an Maltese owner & operated bakery w/ ties to JMJ bakery in the Bronx.  They are still working through some service issues, but I see the manager around a lot more often and things are getting better each time I visit.  On that note, I visit more frequently then I'd like to admit, often going out of my way to cop a cupcake after work.

Leli's Bakery
35-14 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.8090

The colorful cookies and cupcakes are staple sweets, but you should also try their breads and other savory snacks.  Pastizzi and qassatat are tempting puff pastry treats stuffed w/ ricotta, meat or vegetables.  I've even had one of their chicken pot pies and it was amazing.  When was the last time you had a real chicken pot pie?

                                            

© 2013 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Delectable Dago Delights

The team at Gian Piero has perfected the old school Italian bakery in a way you have to experience to understand.  Their techniques far surpass even the finest Manhattan has to offer (I'm looking at you, Veniero's), and at half the price!

Gian Piero Bakery

44-17 30th Ave

Astoria, NY 11103
718.274.8959

They carry the same assortment as any other Italian bake-shop -- from cannolis & cookies to cheesecake & lobster tails -- but they just do it better.  In fact, they've honed their craft so well that they make the competition look like amateurs.  You have one bite of their triple layer cookies and think, "Oh, so THAT'S what they're supposed to taste like!"

Gian Piero is located a bit off the beaten path at the far end of Astoria.  Odds are, if you don't live in the area, you aren't going to visit, but that's a shame.  I've been eating Italian pastries since before I could walk, and I have the chins to prove it -- this place is the best, bar none.  I should also add that my girlfriend, Sandy, swears they make the best latte ever and she fancies herself a connoisseur.

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com