Rose Bakery (at Dover Street Market)

160 Lexington Avenue

(30th Street)

www.doverstreetmarket.com

Dover Street Market is a must-be-seen-to-be-believed window-shopping experience. And I emphasize the words “window shopping” as most regular folks would not be able to afford the standard pricing of over $1,000 per item. (I confess though that I did find a scarf for $600.)

However, I think DSM encourages people to look and be inspired. The super hipster staff smiles welcomingly and understandably while folks take pictures of the more outrageous outfits and store fixtures. It’s not really a store; it’s an art gallery or costume museum, except without the information placards.

DSM is owned by noted Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo of Commes des Garçons fame (other locations can be found in London, Tokyo, Seoul). The New York DSM houses seven floors in a building that used to be a design school. The entrance is a bit tricky to find, as it is really a side-door entrance on 30th Street. Once you find it, it is guarded by a doorman (but more likely security), who is standing in front of a glass elevator. Recommend your beginning your tour of DSM by getting on the elevator and going to the top floor and working your way down floor-by-floor.

Once you’ve made your back to the first floor (DO visit the washroom—their toilets are automated with heated seats! and they have lovely smelling hand soap), hopefully you’ll have worked up an appetite.

Rose Carrarini’s Rose Bakery is located off to your left and is made up of four communal tables. They do have seating in the mezzanine, but only if seating is for a large party or if the tables are filled on the first floor.

Helpful Hint: Rose Bakery does not have separate signage or a separate entrance, so might be difficult to find if you were not in the know.

Since Rose Carrarini (sister-in-law of Rei Kawakubo) is a self-taught pastry chef, you MUST try one of the desserts. (Rose Bakery does serve lunch as well.)

I had to have a piece of their artistically created carrot cake. Glad I tried it, but once tasted, I found it to be rather ordinary. Still, it was great to look at. Also the plateware is pretty awesome. Impressive craftsmanship.

My friend ordered the linzer based on the server’s recommendation.  My friend believes the recommendation was made so that the tray in the display case would not appear full as if no one wanted to try a slice, as the linzer, too, turned out to be a disappointment. It tasted rather dry and bland.

What we did love was the coffee. She ordered the latte (which came topped with a heart made of foam).

I had the Piggy Latte, which was pretty much milk with coffee. Made just the way I love my coffee. And best yet it was served in glasses at room temperature. Delish!

Pros:

Incredible washroom.

Welcoming and friendly staff for both bakery and DSM.

Excellent opportunity to people watch.

Cons:

Price.

Bakery closes when DSM closes.

Final Thoughts

Perfect place to take an out-of-town visitor, as it’s not the usual tourist spot.