Carroll Gardens Getting Ready For Easter

Agnellini Pasquale at Court Street Pastry

Marzipan Easter Lambs and assorted fruit from Monteleone's

The Agnellini Pasquale: A Sicilian Easter Tradition

Like clockwork, marzipan lambs make an appearance in the weeks leading up to Easter at both Court Pastry shop at 298 Court Street and Monteleone's at 355 Court Street. No exception this year. The molded almond paste creatures have hand-painted faces, rest on a bed of fake green grass and are surrounded by a few chocolate eggs and candy.

It wouldn't be Easter without such a centerpiece for many Italian families here in Carroll Gardens.

Can anyone give us more information or tell us stories about these marzipan lambs? Would love to know more.

°°°°°°°°°°°°

Read More

Monteleone's Bakery, One Of Carroll Gardens' Old-World Institutions Under New Management

I was surprised to see a sign in Monteleone's window announcing that this old-world Carroll Gardens institution at 355 Court Street was under new management, so I went in to inquire. I spoke to a very nice woman who introduced herself as Maria, the new owner. She and her husband Antonio have taken over the bakery on January 5th. The couple has about 30 years of experience in the pastry business. From the look of the delicious offerings in the display cases, they will continue to bake the wonderful miniatures and traditional Italian standbys as well as some of their own signature items. (They still have the hazelnut cookies, s I am good...)

The place was doing a brisk business yesterday afternoon when I stopped by, so I am sure Maria and Antonio will do fine.

It was just in 2007, when Monteleone's had undergone a major make-over and joined forces with Cammareri Brothers.

°°°°°°°°°°

Read More