I've been to the new location a few times and I have to say that I strongly prefer the old location and how things used to be. That being said, I would say from the reviews and conversations with other Yelpers that there are 2 distinct ratings for this place.First, there is the rating for ordering fresh products- designing a cake, ordering a tray of cupcakes, etc. The consensus on that seems to be 4 to 5 stars and I'm glad to know when the items are baked fresh, they are still as stellar as I remember. Every time I have been in there one of the bakers is at a table consulting on making and delivering a wedding cake or a large order of some sort, so special orders and catering seem to be a distinct part of their current business model.The second rating is for the bakery itself, when you walk in off the street and want instant dessert gratification. That's a 3 star, and not just because I miss how it used to be, that really has been my experience every time I've come to the new location. On a personal level, I'm so disappointed because this was the only bakery I could consistently count on for so long and now they are so different. On the other, I respect a small business has to make changes to survive and I think the changes are a reflection of what the local audience is demanding.The current location is fairly large with a lot of seating. Up front is the display area to the left, a couple of tables in the middle and a sofa/chair layout to the right with a coffee table. In the back are various tables behind a partition and they keep their bussing containers less noticeable in the corner. It's actually a nice layout and the staff is much larger now, accommodating the size. I hardly ever see a familiar face when I stop by.In the previous layout, mini cupcakes could be found on any day of the week and in a variety of flavors. Since they've done away with those (unless you order an entire tray) I have been missing the perfect matching flavors, the moist cake and the great texture I came to count on.The larger cupcakes are dry and often bland. They usually only carry vanilla, chocolate and a couple of other flavors. I've tried multiple, including ones I used to get in the mini size and the filling has been lacking (both in flavor and actual quantity, there is very little) every time and they run from dry to stale. They have expanded their offerings in the bakery so you can also choose from a pie or two and several cream pie slices, cookies, brownies, bars, cake balls and usually another item or two. I've tried a couple of slices of pie and a cookie and they've been average to good. Many may find it satisfactory, but they are also a bit expensive for what you are getting.I am slightly annoyed that prices aren't easily posted like they used to be and on my last two visits, they weren't on the board at all. As a consumer, I prefer knowing ahead of time that the cupcake is now $3.79. I usually inquire about the prices before asking for a specific item, but if there is a line I may just ask for a slice of pie out of consideration and then get a little sticker shock when it's nearly $5. The point is, marking the trays or putting prices on the board would be both lovely and preferable. My rating is both a split of the in store and ordering experience, as well as a recognition that I probably took the adjustment harder than others because I'm so particular about desserts and loved the original format so much. Just because I can't find that old magic I loved, doesn't mean many people won't be plenty happy with it. However, I want a bakery to be consistent quality that matches the price so that I can count on it when I'm struck by a craving or want to eat my feelings in the form of sugar.
Read More