The Upper East Side Informer

Cheering on all those svelte, fit Olympians the last two weeks certainly caused me to yearn for my own…leaner days. This didn’t prevent me from recently stopping into the beautiful Lady M Cake Boutique on 78th between Madison and Park Avenues. Over the years, I have often peeked through her sidewalk-to-ceiling windows and the cakes inside have certainly beckoned. I knew crossing that glass threshold was going to cost me some calories, but it just could not be resisted.

What I found inside was, well, simply put: heaven. The space is almost entirely white with a marble and glass counter lit from below. The floors are white, the chairs are white, the walls are white. And the flowers? They’re white, too. This might sound like a sterile atmosphere, but it is actually extremely warm. The pristine setting lets the cakes speak for themselves. More accurately, I think these would sing. I imagine a sweet operatic soprano savoring new love (or trying to convince you you’re more beautiful without a waistline.)

General Manager Kim Lawrence tells me that the concept behind the store was to not only have exquisite confections, but to serve them in an elegant, sophisticated space. Really, she says, “the cakes are like the jewelry of the store.” And they are gorgeous. The banana Mille Feuille is especially striking and, in its half-consumed state, looks a little bit like the Sydney Opera House. The berries circling the top of the Strawberry Mille Feuille have been placed with incomprehensible precision. And the Green Tea Mousse Cake is veritably verdant.

I opted for the selection most modest in appearance and most enticing in description: The Lady M Mille Crepes. “No less than 20 thin, hand-made crepes layered with an ethereally light and creamy custard.” This is Lady M’s signature cake, the jewel this boutique is famous for, and likely what regularly fills up the eight or so tiny tables of this unique space. Customers regularly pop in to purchase entire crepe cakes to take away ($40 for a small, $75 for full size); I assume they are the grand finale to many local dinner soirees.

My husband opted for the Blanc Glace Chocolate Cake and we both ordered lattes with skim (as if this one sensible decision would balance out the decadence.)

We were both delighted with our selections, to say the least. The crepe cake was divine: rich, but not too sweet. Eggy, and creamy, and indeed layered with more individual crepes than I could count, creating an attractive cross cut: my mother has always contended that, where beauty is concerned, what’s most important is on the inside. And this dessert certainly bears this out. The chocolate cake was also wonderful, if not quite as unique.

While enjoying this Saturday afternoon treat, I noticed that Lady M also offers a few sandwiches (Smoked Salmon, Tomato Mozzarella, Brie, etc.), some croissants, and some equally stylish individual sweets like Chocolate Eclairs and a Very Berry tartlet. I also noted that Classical music lilted softly in the background; customers seemed to keep their voices hushed as if in sugary reverence.

Lady M opened her doors in 2005. Lawrence tells me that there is no actual “Lady M”, which disappointed me, somewhat. I was beginning to imagine her as a modern iconoclast with a blackberry in one hand, a quill pen in the other, red lipstick as carefully applied as those strawberries, and just a hint of flour on her black cashmere turtleneck…but I digress, (and I suppose I can to continue to think of her in that way if I so desire...) The boutique is actually owned by various investors and chefs overseas and Lawrence was brought in to launch and run it. The cakes are composed in Queens.

This area on the Upper East Side was identified as a perfect spot for this kind of venture. It is a happy coincidence that the Wedding Library (kind of like a wedding research storefront featuring different local vendors) opened up next door around the same time. There is no connection between the businesses, but I presume many brides-to-be enjoy stopping in to Lady M with their mothers or bridesmaids. Then again, if they’re trying to squeeze into that strapless dress, they may want to think twice….

The boutique is open Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 11-7 and Sun 11-6. Even though this indulgence may have taken me even further from Olympic form, I give this little spot a gold medal…perhaps, in this case, best hung from a string of milky-white pearls, (or crystallized sugar?) Point is, I highly recommend.

No need to fly to Paris to find the perfect crepe…Yorkville Creperie is right around the corner!On a snowy New York afternoon, there is no better way to warm your hands and belly than a rich, delicious crepe from the Yorkville Creperie. Whether it is a quick lunch, after-dinner dessert, Sunday brunch, or coffee break while browsing the Internet using the creperie’s free wireless - there is something for everyone at Yorkville Creperie.Having only been open since April 2009, this hot spot is the go-to Upper East Side eatery for both sweet and savory crepes. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the Yorkville Creperie offers overflowing natural light, mellow music, aromatic coffee, and a variety of seating including over-sized comfortable couches, standard tables, or even a charming alcove in the corner.As I settled into my cozy alcove, I browsed the diverse menu of sweet and savory crepes, salads, and panini’s. My eyes and taste buds shifted immediately to the U.E.S. crepe. This unique crepe, dedicated to local Upper East Siders such as myself, combines life’s sweetest pleasures by layering a chocolate brownie, bananas, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and drizzled with Nutella! Before I could indulge in my sweet tooth, I started with the Roma Crepe – an herb crepe with chicken, mozzarella, and tomato bruschetta. Yum!While enjoying my Roma and Upper East Side crepes, I admired the beautiful artwork displayed on the walls throughout the cafe. Chris Boyce, one of the owners of Yorkville Creperie, explained to me that local artists approach him to showcase their art. Artists typically display for one to two months and all pieces are available for purchase. This local creative touch brings a special intimacy and connection to customers with their Upper East Side neighborhood.Next time you are craving something sweet or savory, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a ticket to Paris, just head over to the Yorkville Creperie located at 1586 York Avenue between 83rd and 84th Streets and enjoy local food, art, and ambience!For a full menu visit http://www.yorkvillecreperienyc.com/Bon appetit!