The building here at 174-176 First Ave. is in contract. The last day for the bakery is Dec. 5.
Jeremiah Moss pays his respects today.
This one hurts like hell.
I'd like to say something more eloquent, but that's all I've got right now.
Previously on EV Grieve:
174-176 First Ave. is in contract
[Updated] 110-year-old DeRobertis Pasticceria and Caffe looks to be closing once the building is sold
174-176 First Ave., home of DeRobertis Pasticceria and Caffe, is for sale
Let's take a look at the DeRobertis in-house bakery
17 comments:
I am glad they posted this goodbye message in their window. I will miss this place!
I'll miss, among many other things, the dusty wedding cakes in the windows. I always liked seeing them when I went in or by, for some reason...
I'm heartbroken....
I first went into DeRobertis in 1957. a friend who lived nearby brought me there. We had coffee and a biscotti. We were 15. Special.
It was a GREAT place when the dons hung out there. I mean you had to have good coffee and fresh cannolis, or else. After they left, oh, somewhere in the 80s, that magic left as well. And when the mom retired soon after, it was gone completely. And, after she packed her bags, the new managers got a little lazy and displayed already-filled cannolis rather than the time-honored tradition of hand-filling your order, which the old man used to do. That, my friends, was the very end
This is tragic. It is an iconic destination, which has served as a backdrop for films: 'Broken English' and 'Keep The Lights On' come to mind. I haven't spent too much time there, but have visited a few times since I live in the neighborhood. Their cannoli and pine nut cookies are spectacular. This venue is old school New York, harkening back to a period of charm and prestige. As sad as it is, nothing or no one remains forever. I am stunned they lasted over 100 years. I wish the owners the best!
Boardwalk Empire is also gone. No more chances for the perfect patina to appear on celluloid.
A sad passing.
The mafia/crime history here was a sad and ugly history which shadowed this place, nothing to romanticize. That may well apply to many other older business in the neighborhood, of course.
Sadly, and more to the culinary point, friends recently brought a box of various pastries from DeRoberties to our home, and the results were very disappointing. None of us in the group wanted more after trying a few bites. The tastes were simply "off", too sweet, some strange artificial additional tastes. I am one who resists wasting food, but the remainder ended up in the trash. No one wanted to take the rest home. (The cannolis were not among the samplings, so perhaps we missed out on the true gems).
I wish the family luck. I hope someone new reinvigorates the beautiful space while retaining its old-world charm in a successful new cafe or pastry shop, with that European LES immigrant feel. Nothing too trendy, no chains (stores or gold). Just simple and excellent coffee. And a no cell-phone rule. Is that too much to ask?
- East Villager
Meh. This place has been going downhill since before I can remember. In the early 1990's it was already mediocre at best. Their closing is no big loss. As a native NY'er I find the tears shed whenever a lackluster business closes to be somewhat annoying. I mean, if you shopped at this place it was out of misplaced nostalgia as opposed to taste. The cannolis weren't even filled to order.
and RIP to pete's spices, which was next door...
I-)
The lemon and chocolate ices were the only things I ever bought. Still, I brought my husband there and all my out-of-town and celebrity friends, and I will miss the place. On the other hand, they did LIE to us about closing, so I'm not paying a farewell visit. Besides, there's no lemon ice just now. And there is always Ferrara's. (Veniero's is a filthy mess back there where the ices and gelatos hang out...)
Good, don't go back one last time then. Is your last name DiRobertis too? Because unless it is, the family has no obligation to tell you their personal business. There are many good reasons they would LIE to you (aka not divulge their private business decisions to strangers), so maybe dial back the melodrama.
Also, East Villager, you've told this story about your entire dinner party rejecting the DiRobertis pastries like three times already.
HC, did you ever stop and think the terms of the sale may have changed and that's why they are closing earlier than they said? This was a great neighborhood place for over 100 years. Best of luck to them and whatever the future holds.
Off to Florida, SI, and NJ to have those McMansions.
Indulging in some Italian stereotypes, are we?
A mafia hang-out, and arrogant and rude and loud-mouth. They stereotype themselves. Now with the $12 million, they can pump their fists all the way to the shore, yo.
what ever . Actually,7:44, go eat your gluten free chain store soul sucking crap while driving your Prius to Shelter Island.
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