One reason why I do a lot of blogging at the local Starbucks is because I love people watching. Like right now, a married couple at the next table are interviewing a potential nanny. They seem intense and a little scary. I think the nanny’s in for it.
People watching’s fun, and so is pastry watching. Never heard of pastry watching? It involves visiting a bakery, looking longingly into the display cases and trying not to gobble up every croissant and sfogliatelle in sight.
Riviera Bakehouse in Ardsley is prime pastry watching territory.
I’ll admit, I’m biased when it comes to Riviera; I did a shoot there last year and the people couldn’t have been nicer. It was also fascinating watching the team of talented and efficient bakers work their magic in the kitchen. And if you haven’t seen them, co-owner Liv Hansen’s spectacular gingerbread houses are not to be missed.
Riviera is maybe the most warm and inviting of all the Westchester bakeries; it’s a perfect place to bring the family.
One glance into the display cases is enough to test anyone’s resolve.
Riviera’s baked goods are all outstanding (okay, sometimes pastry watching turns into pastry eating), but when I go, I never leave without picking up one of their underrated gourmet sandwiches. Wrapped in plastic wrap and sitting inconspicuously in a basket on the counter, they’re easy to miss. Look for them though because they’re so good. I’ve had the soft shell crab, the curried chicken, and on this visit, an excellent smoked salmon with capers and red onion on freshly-made focaccia. I loved everything about this sandwich.
Just up the Saw Mill is another spot for pastry watching — the year-old Bisou Patisserie & Cafe in Pleasantville.
It’s an elegant setting befitting the gorgeous pastries and desserts.
Like Riviera, don’t forget about Bisou’s savory offerings. This steaming hot potato and leek soup was a winner (serious bonus points for the crostini).
Aren’t we lucky in Westchester to have bakeries like Riviera and Bisou to enjoy? The great thing about both of them is you can go there for more than just dessert — a big plus for the conflicted pastry watcher.
As for the people watching… it looks like the nanny got the job.
Riviera Bakehouse
660 Saw Mill River Rd.
Ardsley, NY 10502
914-693-9758
Bisou Patisserie & Cafe
146 Bedford Rd.
Pleasantville, NY 10570
914-747-9780
4 Comments
1 Deborah Skolnik wrote:
Hey there again! I do so love the Riviera. Whether it’s a fruit-topped custard tart or a gool ol’ square chocolate fudge cake, they have yet to disappoint. Last year, at Oscar time, I picked up a chocolate cake from them that came complete with yellow-chocolate stars all over, plus a gold-dusted statuette!
2 Cheryl wrote:
My kid’s music tutor is just a couple blocks away from the Riviera and we go and pastry-watch there when we can! Last time we were there our favorite was a little cake all iced up to look like a bushel full of apples ($26!). My kid was also eyeballing the fancy-schmancy chocolates, too. The nice part was, the counter gals didn’t seem bugged at all by us looky-loos.
3 Adlai wrote:
I attempted to go to Bisou a few Saturdays ago, and the place was completely empty…not just of people, but everything. About a month before that, there had been a sign on the door saying they were going to re-open in a few weeks, but it looks like they closed the place instead. Too bad…we really enjoyed it while they were there.
4 Doug\ wrote:
Oh no, really? That’s too bad. It was a nice little place, but I did wonder if people knew about it since it was off the beaten path.