Victoria Bakery

It seems like Victoria Bakery, located in Huntington Station, is always crowded. The place is tiny, but there are tables outside that are full all of the time. After driving by the bakery numerous times, we decided to find out what all the fuss is about, and we're glad we did. 

We aren't sure if the food is El Salvadorian, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cuban or a mix of all four. We just know it's good. At the risk of sounding like total idiots (we tried to ask questions about what we were eating, but couldn't really communicate too well in Spanish), we decided to tell you about this place anyway. We figure that food is a language everyone can understand (of course ordering might be another story, but as long as you can point or speak Spanish, you're fine). 

When we walked into Victoria, we expected the place to be full of cakes, pastries and cookies. Instead, we discovered a few specialty sweets and a whole case of steaming, hot shrimp, meat and vegetables. There was also a woman grilling fresh tortillas (not the egg tortillas or the Mexican tortillas, but the thicker, smaller floury kind). The food looked delicious and the place smelled great. At that moment, the main attraction became clear. However, since it wasn't quite lunch time, we opted for the sweet stuff. 

The guava cake, the pineapple pastry (which looks like an apple turnover) and the rice and coconut cake are all very good. The guava cake, filled with chunks of guava or guava jelly, is a moist, sweet and spongy, yellow cake. The pineapple turnover is light and flaky. The rice and coconut cake, which is sprinkled with sesame seeds, is the most dense of the items we ate and has the perfect sweetness. Of course, this is the first time we've tasted goodies like these, and they seemed yummy to us. We wondered, is there anywhere else to get them on Long Island? 

We're looking forward to going back to try the more savory dishes soon! If you get there before we do, we'd love to hear your thoughts. For now, all we can say is that we liked what we tasted and that's why we're telling you about it.

BAKERY LOCATION:

1735 New York Avenue

Huntington Station, NY 11746

631-470-2112

 

Sally's Cocofé in Huntington

THIS LOCATION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

The chocolate café trend is spreading (and we're not complaining because we love chocolate)! Maybe you've been to The Chocolate Room in Park Slope or Carroll Gardens or maybe you've been to Max Brenner in Manhattan. If so, you've probably thought it would be nice to have a place like this closer to home (that's what we thought). Now we do. And, with all the coffee houses on Long Island, it's nice to have a more interesting option and still get your caffeine fix. So, if you like chocolate (and if you don't, we're sorry, but that's just strange unless you're allergic to it, and even then, you probably still like it), try Sally's Cocofé on Main Street, in Huntington. 

We haven't tasted everything, but we can say that the Mexicana Spice, which contains nutmeg, chili and a little vanilla, is DELISH! The Mexicana is the perfect mix of spice and chocolate without being overly sweet. If you are looking for a caffeine boost, also order the Cocofé Bicerin with chocolate, espresso and a little whipped cream. It may keep you awake for a week, but it's probably worth it.

The drinks are large. The Mexicana Spice is VERY generous - big enough that you might gain 50 pounds trying to finish it (sharing might be a good option here). There is a regular and large size Cocofé Bicerin. 

Sally's Cocofé also sells chocolates (which aren't made on the premises, but look scrumptious) and serves light vegetarian dishes such as pizzas, soups and salads. We decided that Sally's specializes in chocolate drinks and coffee so that's what we'll be ordering there. We can't wait to try the rest of the menu items!

CAFE LOCATION:

273 Main Street

Huntington, NY 11743

631-546-7541

sallyscocofe.com

Check out the Chocolate

There's a reason that Bon Bons Chocolatier is overflowing with customers on many weekends and most holidays. The handmade chocolates at Bon Bons are a delight to the eyes and the taste buds. 

In 1979, Bon Bons opened as one of Trahan's Chocolate Shop's East Coast franchise stores. After several years, the store became independent of the franchise and was renamed Bon Bons Chocolatier. Chocolate production was, and still is, done on the premises. 

In 1984, the original owners sold the store (first located at 338 New York Avenue) to Mary Alice Meinersman and her husband. The shop, now at 319 Main Street, is home to a beautiful glass-enclosed kitchen, with a molding and wrapping room, and hand-dipping station, that allows customers to see where and how the chocolate is made.  

For approximately $10.00 you can purchase a small box (about eight or nine candies) and endulge. The coconut and cocoa dusted truffles are delectable, and the chocolate covered nuts are also delicious - HINT. 

During the Easter season, you can also order beautiful chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs filled with truffles, chocolate covered nuts and other candies. 

When available, the fresh, chocolate dipped fruit (strawberries, orange slices, etc.)  is also delicious. It's a great treat to bring to any party. If you're interested in buying some, contact the store to find out when it will be sold, then get there early - this stuff goes fast! 

STORE LOCATION:

319 Main Street

Huntington, NY 11743

631-549-1059

bonbonschocolatier.com