Thursday, February 19, 2009

Ferrara's


If someone were to invite me to an "institution" for a pastry, I probably wouldn't accept the invitation, unless it were Ferrara's. It's been anchoring the block for so many years, this Italian pastry shop has become an institution, but it's all sweetness and light. Its humble origins started in 1892 as a caffe where patrons could find a good cup of espresso and a place to play Neapolitan card games. Enrico Caruso had been a regular patron. It survived the Great Depression by baking several times a day to to avoid waste and became known for the freshest pastry in town.

Ferrara's has earned a wonderful reputation for producing Sicilian specialties like cannoli, sfogliatella (the "leafy pastry" with layers of paper thin pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruits that are sometimes thought to look like clam shells) and cassata (the sponge cake with cannoli filling and marzipan "frosting"). This 5th generation family run business is owned by Italian Americans originally from a small town in Campania. They also have a fine reputation for torrone, the almond and nougat candy, as well as biscotti and panettone. You can find almost any Italian specialty dessert imaginable here at Ferrara's.
Although a bit cramped for space, and the pace a bit hectic, you can settle into the shop at a small marble table and relax with a cup of cappucino and a cannoli. Even though the neighborhood is less and less Italian these days, you will always find a slice of Italy at Ferrara's.
195 Grand Street
New York NY 10013-3717
Phone: (866) 920-4476

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