News for my sweeties — and you know who you are — includes a fabulous new bakery at Findlay Market, a plethora of cupcake bakeries, a gluten-free bakery in Covington and more.
Skirtz & Johnston Fine Pastries and Chocolates can be found at 111/113 West Elder St. on the south side of the Market House next to Krause’s Cheese Shop. It’s bright, spacious and classy — and the baked goods are damn fine, too. We tried the New York cheesecake topped with fresh sliced peaches with a nice buttery graham cracker crust. Mmmm. Their baguettes are softer than Shadeau’s and make for mighty nice eating — with some tasty butter or cheese from Krause’s. Synchronicity! More info: 513-381-1286 or www.skirtzandjohnston.com.
If you’re having a birthday party for kids with food allergies, there’s a place to get your goodies: A new gluten-free bakery in Covington, AJ Creations (212 West Pike St.). Gluten-free might sound dull until you check out their selections: “Junk” muffins, apple cinnamon coffeecake, carrot cake muffins, orange cranberry muffins, cupcakes, chocolate cookies with dried cherries and white chocolate chips and yummy brownies. For more information, call 859-322-8434 or go to ajcreationsonline.com.
Cupcake epidemic! Sugar Cupcakery is at 32 Main St. in Milford. We hear it’s “an upscale organic cupcakery,” and their sample menu lists flavors like Chocolate Chai, Coconut Lime and Vanilla Truffle. Good news — they’re open late (like, when someone might actually want dessert!). For more info, call 513-340-4166 or go to www.sugarcupcakery.com.
Abby Girl Sweets (41 Fifth St., Downtown, pictured above) is at Carew Tower, dangerously close to the office of yours truly, who has been known to reward herself with a cupcake when she does “A ” work. Like a sticker at school, only better. For info, call 513-335-0898 or www.abbygirlsweets.com.
And Three Tiers Contemporary Cakes and Cupcakes in Bellevue (321 Fairfield Ave.) is also on the cupcake bandwagon and looking good. For info, call 859- 431-CAKE or go to www.threetierscake.com and be iced.
And last but not least: chocolate and wine! There’s a special event tasting two of our favorite things at the Civic Garden Center on June 10 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. It’s only $25 in advance and features local favorite Chocolats Latour from Northside. We raved about these gorgeous morsels in the Best of Cincinnati issue this year. Call 513-221-0981 to reserve, and don’t miss out! (www.civicgardencenter.org)
More sweet news, in the “cool” sense of “sweet!” Melt’s new store, Picnic and Pantry, located next to Northside Tavern where The Hideaway used to be, should open very soon. There will be a kitchen serving tacos from 5 p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday, and the store will be stocked with non-taco necessities (and sweets!) the rest of the time. Stop by 4163 Hamilton Ave. or call 513-681-8600. (picnicandpantry.com)
And Second Sunday in Over-the-Rhine is featuring “Celebrity Chef & Wine Pairings” with wine from City Cellars. On June 13, our friend Mark Bodenstein from Chalk will be up to bat, so get there early to be assured a seat. Doors open at 2 p.m. and demos start at 2:30 p.m. at 1419 Main St. The first 50 guests get a seat and samples for tasting. After that, standing room only and no promise of tastings. (secondsundayonmain.org)
CONTACT ANNE MITCHELL: [email protected]
