Need help from authentic Brooklynites

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Mar 28, 2005 | 1:33 pm
  #1  
I'm thinking of ordering some cannolis and sfogliatella from the Mona Lisa Pastry Shop. They present themselves as an authentic, old-time Brooklyn bakery. Just wondering if anyone has heard of them or it's just a marketing ploy? The picture on their website looks out of place for Brooklyn.

Thanks.
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Mar 28, 2005 | 1:37 pm
  #2  
Authentic Italian bakeries are a dime a dozen in Brooklyn. Italy is a big country and every region has their specialities. Add to it every Italian neighborhood has their own authentic bakery, and you end up with many different styles of making the same pastries.

The location of this one is correct - in one of the largest Italian neighborhoods in Brooklyn, but I never tried it. I had my own neighborhood favorite.

It can't hurt to try them - a decent Italian pastry from Brooklyn has got to be far better than what you can get in Maryland .

Now, if we could only get some decent Italian pastries in NJ, I'd be happy.
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Mar 28, 2005 | 1:54 pm
  #3  
You rang.

Mona Lisa's does look new; and yes, somewhat out of place compared to other authentic Brooklyn bakeries. But who cares about looks. I've had the pleasure of sampling some pastries from this bakery. It won't disappoint. I know, since I have some expertise in this matter.

I personally prefer the old dumpy looking bakeries of our past.

Dan
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Mar 28, 2005 | 1:56 pm
  #4  
Dan, How did I know that you would not only chime in but have been there too?? ^^
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Mar 28, 2005 | 2:04 pm
  #5  
I do not know if it still exists, but there was an excellent Italian bakery on Avenue X in Brooklyn near West 2 Street.

I forget the name of it at the moment.

Anyway, the Mona Lisa pastry shop does not look like an authentic Brooklyn bakery, Italian, Kosher or otherwise. The typical Brooklyn bakery was usually housed on the first floor of a two-story building (usually composed of brick) that was attached to an entire row of similar buildings for a block on a main avenue.

I used to live near Teenas Cake Fair. Now that was an authentic Brooklyn bakery!
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Mar 29, 2005 | 8:26 am
  #6  
Teena's is still in business. Aaron and Sonia would have retired long ago but I hear they kept it for their son. With the cultural changes in the neighborhood, one would have thought they wouldn't do well, but the lines are still there and they are flourishing. They make the best rainbow cookied!! Yummmmmmmmm
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