Well Fed On the Town

Billy’s Bakery - New York City

Posted by Cate O'Malley
April 14, 2008

A few weeks ago, when my five-year-old son, Nicholas, and I were running around doing errands in preparation for Easter, we stopped in at a local bakery to grab a few dessert items.

“I know the name of this bakery, Mama,” he said as I went to open the door, trying to juggle the door, Madeline and my purse.

“You do?”

“Yes, it’s Billy’s Bakery,” he said, with a big grin splashing across his face.

How cute is he?! It wasn’t Billy’s, but I was tickled that he actually DOES listen to me when I ramble on about the best cupcakes ever. Swoon worthy, I tell you, swoon worthy. I told him it wasn’t, but we quickly formulated a plan to go into the city and visit Billy’s, and we did the following weekend.

No traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel, it seemed like we were pulling in front of the shop in minutes. Not only was there no traffic, but there was a parking space right in front! And if that wasn’t enough to make me think I should play the lottery, the bakery was uncharacteristically empty. All told, the place is super-tiny, it’s reputation much, much larger than its square footage. Right beyond the entrance, there are two small 1950s-style retro tables that can seat maybe 6 or 7 people … 8 or 9 perhaps, if you don’t mind getting extra-friendly with your neighbors.

Pleased with our luck, we plunked our things down to save one of the tables and walked over to the glass display case, perfect little pastel mounds before us, just waiting to be chosen. But which to choose? Nicholas went with a chocolate cupcake with pale green frosting, and me, a pink-frosted one (surely you’re not surprised?). My stepdaughter chose another pink-frosted one and The Husband? The only person I know who comes along on a cupcake field trip and chooses Cherry Cheesecake. What can I say, he’s a work in progress. Poor Madeline just got her bottle, but oh the treasures that await her when she’s old enough! Once we had our treats, we sat down and dug in. Within minutes, they were just a memory, but what a good one… While we were waiting for Nicholas to finish up, I took a couple pictures and chatted up the girl who was doing the frosting (after I promised her I wouldn’t get her in the shot). I asked if she was sick of cupcakes, having to see hundreds of them daily, and she, surprisingly, said no. She allows herself one a day and still loves them as much as ever. My kind of girl.

Once everyone found out what we were up to that Saturday morning, they were quickly placing their own order for Billy’s Bakery cupcakes, and we have converted a few more people along the way. Not yet a convert yourself? If you’re in the area, do stop in and treat yourself. The cupcakes are two bucks a pop, but I guarantee they’re worth every penny.