Welcome to my newest feature, SnackTime With Jen. This midweek morsel is a small taste of something fun. Topics range from food (of course) to fashion, amusing little discoveries both locally and abroad, and a variety of interesting intel too tempting not to share. So let’s get snacking…
You’ll know you’re in the immediate vicinity of Librae Bakery based on the deliciously tempting smells wafting through the air as you stroll along Cooper Square in NYC. This popular hangout is a Third Culture Bakery influenced by flavors from the Middle East using fermentation techniques from Copenhagen. They are also the first ever Bahraini female owned bakery. (How cool?!) These ladies are absolute artisans.
As you impatiently edge your way to the front of the line that snakes out the front door on busy weekends, you’ll marvel at the outstanding Jerusalem Bagels with Labneh, the Feta Dill Scones, and the highly regarded Rose Pistachio Croissants. But the big winner out of these crowded rows of baked goodies is definitely the Heirloom Tomato, Za’atar and Basil atop the Herbed Ricotta Savory Danish. With the consistency of a cruffin, it’s a tender twisted pullapart with chewy insides and crazy good toppings. I wish we had ordered two since sharing one didn’t seem sufficient but I bristled at having to jump back on the line again. (A mistake I will not make on future visits!) I’m still dreaming about my half that disappeared in three quick bites.
After all but inhaling the savories, you’ll discover that the real reason to frequent this East Village standout is their homemade Basque Cheesecake. Unlike regular cheesecake with a dense interior, Basque has a lighter custard-like consistency, sports a little bit of a jiggle (you go, girl), and flaunts a super smooth texture with a “burnt” looking top. It’s also crustless so all that comes through with each creamy bite is rich, velvety sweetness with no distracting crumbly graham cracker bottom. It’s like heaven on a spoon!
Librae Bakery is a welcome addition to Jen’s Little Black Book. Their variety of crave-inducing snacks is impressive to the young and influenced, those with a seasoned palate, and all hungry humans in between. (You can decide what category to place yourself.) But I have to tell you… it’s now weeks later and I’m still basquing in the glow of that fabulous dessert. In this case, the Cheese(cake) does indeed stand alone.
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