Serious Eats: New York
Sugar Rush: The Flakey Tart in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Note: This Sugar Rush dispatch comes to us from Dani of The Average Cook. A corporate girl by day and Latin ballroom instructor by night, she also makes room for croissants. Dani is a regular at The Flakey Tart, where Jon Bon Jovi was also spotted recently. Dani's disclaimer: the bakery often sells out by early afternoon, so set your morning alarms. Take it away, Dani! —Erin
The Flakey Tart, in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, is one of those places you want to keep for yourself so that, on your way home from the beach, you can pop in and still get a pain au chocolat before they sell out. A little bakery in a little town near the Jersey Shore, the Flakey Tart opened in 2007, and owner Marie Jackson has been filling the tummies of locals and visitors with delicate, delicious morsels of sugar and love ever since.
The baked good selection ranges from croissants to muffins to scones and cupcakes, and in the savory department, they offer mac and cheese, frittatas, and sandwiches.
When asked what her favorite items are, Jackson responded, "the fancy stuff." Her passion exudes in her creativity and does not go unnoticed by her staff. Manager Sandi Lupinacci said one of her favorite things about working at the Flakey Tart is watching Jackson’s creativity every day. And don't think the big guys haven't taken notice. She was a semifinalist in this year (and last year's) Outstanding Pastry Chef category for the James Beard Foundation. Jackson said she's “trying to make the world a sweeter place.” And boy, am I thankful for that—as is my tummy.
The Flakey Tart
145 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands NJ (map)
732-291-2555