Royale Cafe and Pastry (*No longer there, but you can still enjoy the sweets at Baked in Brooklyn!)
Blondie and Brownie with Nicola and her daughter Marina
461 6th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 255-5236
Today we traveled to West 11th Street and 6th Avenue to finally try Royale Cafe and Pastry! We had a blast getting to know one of the owners, Nicola Mejer. She was so helpful and generous, making us feel right at home. Royale opened in March 2008, and it’s been a hit with it’s local customers from PS 11 School next door. In fact, Nicola’s daughter and classmates have taken school trips there to learn about food. All of their baked goods are brought in from Baked in Brooklyn. Nicola and the staff helped us choose what to try…not an easy task. They serve a variety of sandwiches, soups, cakes, breads, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, biscotti, Whoopie pies, homemade Oreos, homemade granola, and even coffee and espresso. You can see why it was hard to choose! So we decided to share a Salty/Sweet brownie, Chocolate Cloud cookie, Peanut Butter Crisp bar, Sweet/Salty cupcake, and Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich. Don’t worry, we got a to-go box:-).
Salty/Sweet Brownie: Extremely fudgey and gooey center, this brownie is one to try! Once you bite into it, you can see the glorious amount of fudge baked inside. Fleur de sel is sprinkled on top of the brownie to add the salty taste. Fleur de sel meaning “Flower of Salt” in French is hand harvested and a most revered salt. We have had a hard time finding a brownie in NYC that deserves attention, but Royale’s is definately worth it.
Chocolate Cloud Cookie: Nicola explained to us that this cookie could be compared to a molten chocolate cake you may find at a restaurant. She also said it was a cross between a brownie and a cookie. The outside of the cookie was crackled and crisp, with almost a flakey layer. The inside was thick, moist, and cake-like…exactly like a brownie. This cookie is very rich and for extreme chocolate lovers. It would be great with a cold glass of milk.
Peanut Butter Crisp Bar: OMG! Don’t waste time reading an explanation. RUN to Royale and buy it ASAP!!!!
Sweet/Salty Cupcake: This was a recommended “must-try” by the staff, and we found out the reason. It is a chocolate cake topped with a mound of silky and light chocolate frosting. The cake was soft and fluffy with a distinct chocolate flavor. The edge of the cupcake was harder which delights the overall texture. Fleur de sel sprinkled atop the frosting, added a salty explosion in our mouths.
Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich: Baked from their delicious homemade granola, comes two thin cookies sandwiching buttercream frosting. The cookies are chewy yet crisp, and chocked full of oats. This cookie is very sweet due to the granola and buttercream combination. It has a hint of cinnamon as well giving off a cinnamon coffee cake taste to our palates. It’s unique and different; a sure hit with the kids. This homemade oatmeal cookie sandwhich sure beats the Little Debbie ones you find in the grocery store!
We had such a blast at Royale Cafe today meeting the owner and staff, and tasting the many glorious goodies. The decor was so cute and inviting; this bakery draws you in from the street. We even got to meet Nicola’s daughter who arrived after school for a special snack. What a lovely and pleasant surprise. We will be back!!!!
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