Billy's Bakery

I’ve been sadly and unapologetically remiss at maintaining this blog, which had become my metaphorical baby. Since letting things slide (not only my blog but the cooking and eating escapades I featured), I have become mother to a real-life, cherubic almost-toddler. My focus has shifted from cooking, eating and wine to dirty diapers, drool, board books and now, getting my incredibly stubborn kid to eat that which I put in front of him. I’m hoping, over the course of 2011 and 2012, to resurrect my gastronomical adventures as well as feature more product reviews than ever!

Speaking of which, I recently heard on the pontifical nightly news that in 2011, by and by, the cupcake will no longer be relevant. Really?!?! Will the iconic cupcake really fall out of favor with eaters? Is it really “so three years ago?” I’m 33 and have been eating them for 32 years! In fact, New York City boasts more cupcake shops than ever and the very hip Sweet Revenge in the West Village even pairs artisanal cupcake creations with wine and beer.

All the same, the tongue-wagers insist the Lilliputian confections have become a bygone trend. In response to naysayers, anti-sweet toothed crusaders and curmudgeons, I would like to give an extremely loud shout-out to Billy’s Bakery. As far as I’m concerned this is the best cupcake in Manhattan and rumor has it, one of the top five reasons my sister moved back to NYC after a year in the South!



The original Billy’s proprietor and baker Billy Reece (now Lauren after her gender reassignment) was trained in cupcake art by the famous Magnolia Bakery. Though I like Magnolia’s cupcakes, Billy’s has upped the ante. They are rich and flavorful without eliciting a toothache. Their batter is not overbeat, resulting in a moist, fluffy but substantive confection. The masterful buttercream frosting is not in the least gritty but whipped until ridiculously smooth and creamy.

Billy’s most beloved cupcakes flavors are, not surprisingly, classic chocolate and the yellow daisy (aka vanilla vanilla). Their menu consists of other retro desserts (which I admit to never tasting because why would I order anything but a yellow daisy?). If the mood strikes, try one of Billy’s other cupcake flavors: carrot, red velvet, banana, German chocolate and coconut. You want an ice box cake? Billy’s bakes ice box cakes. Have a hankering for cheese cake? Junior’s be damned! Billy’s also has a selection of pies, cakes, cookies and bars.

Chelsea
184 9th Avenue
212-647-9956
Monday to Thursday 8:30am-11pm
Friday and Saturday 8:30am-midnight
Sunday 9am-10 pm

Nolita
268 Elizabeth Street
212-219-9956
Monday to Thursday 10am-9pm
Friday and Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 10am-6pm

Tribeca
75 Franklin Street
212-647-9958
Monday to Friday 7am-9pm
Saturday 9am-9pm
Sunday 10am-5pm