Fresh from being annointed the New Meadowlands Stadium’s official cheesecake supplier, Anthony’s Cheesecake is promising plenty of sweet nothings to residents and those working near Washington St. and the area of the Bloomfield Center.
Anthony Lauro, in his 40s, and his buddy and business partner, Bloomfield resident Phil Byrne – both MSU grads – greeted a steady stream of new and old customers this morning, a rather damp opening day, with a warm smile, complimentary coffee and lots of offerings for breakfast and midday desserts.
The self-taught pastry chef Lauro, a Montclair resident who has run the popular LunchBox Deli on Broad St. in Bloomfield for 15 years, said he needed a dedicated and larger space in which to showcase his cheesecakes and other baked creations.
The store, which is set up with six tables to allow customers to have a coffee and chat, will sell 40 different types of cheesecake, including sugar-free (made with Splenda) and gluten-free ones, all inspired by recipes of Lauro’s grandmother and mom.
“I took an interest in baking when I was about 10,” says Lauro. “And my mom said you can do this one day you know. We come from a big Italian family and it’s always been about food.”
A regular customer from Lauro’s LunchBox Deli stopped by this morning for a bagel and, though declining to give his name, offered a solid endorsement: “His cheesecakes are always excellent. My wife is a cheesecake afficionado and Anthony’s cakes are better than Gencarelli’s or anything else out there. And everything is always fresh.”
I bought an entire coffee cake for an impending party – topped with a mix of apples, honey and a coffee-cake crumble – and it was moist and delicious. I also tried a mini Red Velvet cheesecake, which, apart from looking alluring, was perfect, being neither too sweet nor too rich.
“We are confident that our homemade desserts will bring new and even our loyal customers to our Bloomfield Center location,” said Lauro. “We are hopeful for the revitalization of the area.”
Judging from sturdy customer interest in his homemade goodies even on a gloomy day, it looks Anthony’s Cheesecake fits neatly into a hitherto unmined niche in the area.
Anthony’s Cheesecake
71 Washington St, Bloomfield, NJ
973 415 8885
This is a great addition to Bloomfield Center. I will be there shortly to support the business and my waistline.
My wife and I picked up a few of the mini cheesecakes on saturday and i have to say it was probably the best cheesecakes we ever had. Really fresh tasting. Great looking store and super friendly owners. We will pass the word and good luck guys
I had lunch here today. It was excellent, can’t wait to see what’s on the menu for tomorrow.
I had read about Anthonys Cheesecake on Baristanet and had to get a slice of my favorite dessert. Very impressed with the decor and the cheesecake I had (white chocolate macadamia nut) was outstanding. I didnt know they served a limited lunch menu and decided to try it the next day with my friend. I had the most delicious waldorf salad with chicken. I am so happy i can enjoy a wonderful lunch and dessert at this quaint gem in Bloomfield
Their cheesecake does taste very good.