My search for the best cheesecake in New York continues….
I never thought it would come to this, but I’m about to review a supermarket on this blog. Albeit the supermarket in question is a New York born company that is dedicated to the community and still a family-run business. In a way Fairway is truly iconic to New York. And it’s still only in the metro area with no more than 15 locations (at the moment).
The real reason I’m mentioning Fairway in these pages is because they have a wonderful cheesecake that they make themselves at their Harlem location. It’s available at the bakery section among their breads, cookies, and other cakes. Just like at most grocery stores, the people who work there were rather frustrated and completely unhelpful. When I finally located someone from the bakery department to help me, I was met with a lot of attitude. The nerve of me wanting to buy a piece of cake at a grocery store.
I was pleasantly surprised that slices were available. I had anticipated buying an entire cake (which is not great for my waistline). After a long line and more frustration at the registers, I got my slice of cheesecake and was off.
This was one of the few sllices I enjoyed in the comfort of my own apartment. I have to admit my expectations were rather low – how could a big grocery store compete with a mom and pop bakery? But this was a great slice.
It was quite balanced with a dense first bite but a smooth creamy finish. The sweetness hid below the tangy forefront, which was quite nice. If anything I would have expected the supermarket-purchased cheesecake to be too sweet. Not so here. It also had a decent crust and browned top, but the texture and flavor were what made this a surprising hit.
So there it is. A positive review for a dish purchased from a supermarket. Sometimes great things are hidden where you least expect them. Like on aisle six.
Does Fairway have the best cheesecake in NY? I’m willing to state that they have the best grocery store cheesecake in the city and the excellent sweet to tart ratio and balance of richness and creaminess earn this supermarket an 8 out of 10.
| FAIRWAY MARKET |
| 2328 12th Avenue (between West 132nd and West 133rd Street), West Harlem (212) 234-3883 |
| 766 Avenue of the Americas (between West 25th and 26th Street), Chelsea (646) 676-4550 |
| 550 Second Avenue (between East 30th and East 31st Street), Kips Bay (646) 720-9420 |
| 2127 Broadway (between West 74th and West 75th Street), Upper West Side (212) 595-1888 |
| 240 East 86th Street (between Third and Second Avenue), Upper East Side |
| 480-500 Van Brunt Street (at Reed Street), Red Hook, Brooklyn (718) 254-0923 |
| 242-02 61st Avenue, Douglaston, Queens (718) 423-2100 |
| 847 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Manor, Bronx (914) 633-6550 |
| fairwaymarket.com |
