UES Hospitality

Corrado Bread and Pastry.  1361 Lexington Avenue at 90th Street, NYC.  1/31/13.

While wandering around the UES one evening looking for something sweet to eat, before attending a superb production of "Fiddler on the Roof," but not wanting to go to Starbucks, I stumbled into Corrado Bread and Pastry.

In a city often characterized as cold and rude, and often rightly so, the counter staff at this Upper East Side location are the welcomed exception.  On a cold winter night, each customer that crossed the threshold was warmly greeted.  Not an auto-pilot greeting, but a "look you in the eye" welcome.  When someone takes the time to serve you in a cordial manner, it is hard to be rude and in a rush. 

The pecan bar was yummy, full of pecans on a tender base and not overly sweet.  With a cup of tea this was a perfect dessert.  Be warned there is only a slim counter at the window at which to sit.  Most customers took their orders with them--sandwiches, macarons, pastries, cookies, etc. 

It was a pleasure to patronize a place that really wants your business, and by its example brings out the best in its customers.