Story and photos by Adrian Cabreja The commercial corridor of West 207th Street just got a little sweeter, with the arrival in late summer of the Pin Pan Bakery at the very corner of Broadway. Commuters in a rush and passerby out for a stroll will be equally challenged to not give in to aromatic clouds that suddenly seem to have appeared at the busy intersection. The bakery’s owners say the reception from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. “[It] has been great,” explained Freddy Restrepo, own of the bakery’s part owners. “People are glad to know that there is a bakery close by.” Restrepo noted that the bake shop’s convenient location, just beside the 207th Street A train stop and near a host of bus lines, helped tremendously. Many stepping in for a quick fix for their sweet tooth are gratified to find that they have a wide selection of goods to choose from, and even happier about the rapid service that accounts for satisfying the momentary indulgence quickly – lest you change your mind about the treat. “We are right here in the heart of the [neighborhood],” said Restrepo. “Every community needs a bakery and we are glad that we are providing that service.” He noted that while there are other bakeries in the area, Pin Pan is seeking to distinguish itself for its wide selection of diverse sweets that range from traditional Dominican meringue cake with finger-licking fruit fillings such as guava and pineapple, while also offering baked goods more familiar to those who have not attended or hosted a quinceañera. “Our carrot cake is, bar none, our fastest selling item here. It is becoming our signature,” said Hansel Batista, Pin Pan’s Pastry Chef. “Just so you know I make a unique carrot cake,” he insisted with a smile. So popular is the pastry that on two recent subsequent afternoons, there were no slices left to sample. The bakery also offers a variety of cookies, muffins, Danishes and puddings, offered at a reasonable price. A slice of pineapple cake, for example, only cost $2.25. “The place looks great,” said Samuel Griffin, an Inwood resident standing before the polished glass counters. “I’ve tasted their Danishes, [and] they are great too. I feel good about this place.” The owners are quick to point out that the bakery also offers savory foods prepared fresh on a grill, and a full brunch/lunch menu that includes pancakes, omelets, sandwiches and Paninis. And there is, of course, a bevy of freshly brewed coffee items. Whatever your yen, Pin Pan aims to satisfy. “If you want to just eat dessert, or if you are hungry,” said Restrepo, “we have something here for you here.” Pin Pan Bakery 4930 Broadway (corner of 207th Street) New York, New York 10034Making the Pin-point, deliciously
chef Hansel Batista, is fast becoming the
shop’s signature dish.
goods, such as the classic meringue cake filled
with layers of sweet pineapple filling.
said the shop aimed to satisfy a sweet craving as
readily as a delicious Panini sandwich: “We have
something for you.”
