Review: PADOCA Bakery on the UES-Your New Favorite Spot

Padoca Bakery is outstanding . Whether you're doing a quick take out or enjoying their delicious fare in the stylish, contemporary café area, it will be one of your go-to spots in no time. Located at the corner of 68th Street and 1st Avenue, it's convenient to the Upper East Side and Yorkville and worth the trip from anywhere in town. There's so much to enjoy at this cozy neighborhood shop where all the baking is done on premises. We especially like that Padoca uses the freshest natural and locally sourced ingredients. Stop by for coffee or tea, baked items, brunch, lunch, or one of their tasty specialties and we guarantee you will be pleased.

Padoca is a passion project of Brazilian-born Marina Halpern and Pastry Chef Rachel Binder who joined forces to create distinctive, artisanal multi-cultural baked goods. Named after the São Paulo word for "neighborhood bakery," Padoca evokes a true feeling of welcome and comfort. The two talented women present guests with items that perfectly blend their Brazilian and Israeli backgrounds.

In addition to enjoying their fantastic array of distinctive breads, buns and pastries available daily, we suggest you visit to relax and have brunch. We stopped by early on a Sunday morning. There are so many tempting choices that making a decision can be difficult. We decided on one of their seasonal treats, pumpkin bread with cranberries. Moist and flavorful, the bread had just the right amount of sweetness to let the fall flavors emerge. Their brunch sandwiches are fantastic served on light PDQ Brazilian cheese bread. These irresistible buns are made from a naturally gluten-free blend of the starchy root plant yucca, and cheese baked fresh and served warm throughout the day. We enjoyed a BLT sandwich with avocado and egg. Don't miss the individual babkas that include a rich chocolate one or their Romeo and Juliet babka with a delightful filling of guava and cheese. For those that prefer, the Açaí Bowl is served with açaí berries, bananas and house-made granola, with rolled oats, pecans, currants, pumpkin seeds, golden raisins and coconut. Padoca also serves lunch with sandwiches, salads and soups, all house made, of course.

Gluten free items are always available and the welcoming staff will be delighted to discuss selections with you. When we visited, Halloween treats were already on display including festive holiday cookies. Full-sized cakes can be pre-ordered and all items are available for catering. Padoca's selections are ideal for birthday parties, weddings, office meetings and other social gatherings. It is suggested that you make all of your special orders at least two days in advance. You can even order online.

Coffee lovers and tea drinkers should stop by any time of the day for some refreshment. There is a full menu of coffee items and their cold brew is one of the best you'll find. Their Brazilian Dromedaire Cuveé medium roast is from Nobletree Coffee, a Brooklyn based company. Nobletree has also implemented their impressive Modbar Espresso System at Padoca.

Treat yourself and make Padoca Bakery one of your favorite destinations. It's a food lover's experience that you will want to share with friends and family.

Padoca Bakery is located at 359 East 68th Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave), New York, NY 10065. Phone: (212) 300 4543 or visit www.PadocaBakery.com. Hours: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Padoca Bakery

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