Serano Bakery: a hidden gem that does so many things right
There’s so much to like about Serano Bakery on 30th Ave. It’s the type of place you would walk into and order one of everything: gelato, cookies, cakes, brownies, and more. Owner Angelo Zenelak operates this family-owned, family-run business: “We had a bakery in Greece for 30 years. And we decided to open something in Astoria. It’s a great neighborhood. We opened last year in August.”
Image Courtesy @jamesdelgenio via Instagram
Serano’s outside is a bit unassuming, usually one or two patrons are seated at a pair of tables out front, maybe enjoying their gelato. But a closer look at a few of the cakes in the display case reveals just a taste of the artistry going on inside.
Image Courtesy @jamesdelgenio via Instagram
Step in, and you’ll find a comfortable and clean space with a few more tables than you might expect at a bakery. “It’s more like a Greek neighborhood bakery like you might find in Athens. The bakeries in Greece are more like cafes. People spend more time in bakeries than coffee shops. They get their gelato, their pastry, their coffee.”
Serano Bakery makes it all, and they do everything themselves. “When I say everything, I mean everything,” Zenelak said, “The gelato, the cookies, the pastries. There are no workers. Everything is made by my parents. I help them by making the gelato, but that’s all I can do.”
There’s so much here, it can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to start slowly with a Greek or Italian cookie and a scoop of gelato with a traditional flavor like fig. Work your way up to the loukoumades, a classic Greek dessert that’s a bit like a donut dipped in honey. “My dad makes them. He knows I’d sell the recipe to Dunkin Donuts,” he laughed. “So he’s the only one who makes them. He uses handmade dough and the right combination of sugar, honey, and syrup.“
Once you’re a believer (and it won’t take long), head into the rear of the bakery and take a look at the custom cakes and pastries. Tell the friendly staff what you’re looking for, and they can figure out an edible work of art that works in your budget.
Image Courtesy @jamesdelgenio via Instagram
Zenelak enjoys his work and talks eagerly when asked about popular items and the craft. He’s quick to compliment his family’s hard work and dedication. But when asked what he thinks makes Serano bakery successful, he didn’t mention the tantalizing food they serve, fresh ingredients they use, or decades of experience. “I think it’s our community. I was thinking about Brooklyn or something but here… everybody knows us. My parents, it was their dream to own their own bakery. So, we said here is a good location, Astoria. It’s been amazing.”
35-14 30th Ave. / Phone: 929.556.4459 / seranobakeryny.com
