Papa d’Amour

New Yorkers are always on the lookout for the next big thing in the city’s dynamic food scene, and when a renowned name like Dominique Ansel announces a new venture, the anticipation is palpable. That’s exactly what happened with the opening of Papa d’Amour, a long-awaited new bakery that has quickly become a focal point of the Union Square neighborhood. Unlike his other famous establishments, this bakery offers a distinct and innovative approach, blending classic French techniques with a variety of Asian-inspired flavors and ingredients. The result is a menu of unique pastries and savory items that are both familiar and entirely new. From the moment it opened, Papa d’Amour has been buzzing with excitement, drawing crowds eager to taste the latest creations from a pastry master. The atmosphere is one of discovery and delight, where locals can explore an exciting new chapter in New York’s culinary story. This cafe is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s an experience, offering a glimpse into the creative mind of one of the world's most influential chefs as he reinterprets beloved flavors in unexpected ways.

The genius behind Papa d’Amour is, of course, Dominique Ansel. A James Beard Award-winning pastry chef, he is a name synonymous with innovation in the world of sweets, best known for inventing the cronut. With Papa d’Amour, Ansel turns his creative energy toward a new passion project, exploring the rich and diverse flavors of Asian-style pastries. The name itself, which translates to "Father of Love," reflects the personal and heartfelt nature of the project. This new concept is a departure from his classic French bakery, offering an exciting fusion of cultures. The menu showcases items that are both playful and sophisticated, taking inspiration from Asian markets and dim sum carts and elevating them with French pastry techniques. This blending of culinary traditions is a testament to Ansel’s artistry and his constant desire to push boundaries. His decision to open this unique bakery in New York City is a gift to the local food community, providing residents with a novel experience that reflects the city's own diverse and multicultural identity. The excitement on opening day, as noted by customer reviews, was a clear sign that New Yorkers were ready and eager to embrace this new concept.

Papa d’Amour enjoys a prime location in a bustling and highly accessible part of Manhattan. Situated at 64 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, the bakery is perfectly positioned to serve the neighborhoods of Union Square, Greenwich Village, and the NYU campus. The area is a vibrant hub of activity, with foot traffic from students, professionals, and shoppers making it a perfect spot for a new cafe. For those using public transportation, the accessibility is a major plus. The bakery is just a couple of blocks from the Union Square station, which is a major transit point for the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W subway lines. This means that a visit to Papa d’Amour can be easily incorporated into a daily commute or a day of shopping and exploring. The location also makes it a great meeting point for friends, offering plenty of other attractions and green spaces nearby, including Union Square Park itself. While the popularity can lead to crowds, as noted in a customer review, the central location makes the wait a small price to pay for the chance to taste these unique creations.

Papa d’Amour offers a delightful range of services and menu items that highlight its unique culinary concept. The focus is on a cafe experience, with both dine-in and take-out options.

• Unique Pastries and Baked Goods: The menu is filled with inventive creations that blend Asian and European influences. Items like the "taro lace mochi donut" and "hotdog sticky rice croissant" showcase this creative fusion, offering flavors and textures that are distinct and memorable.
• Savory Offerings: Beyond the sweet pastries, the bakery offers savory items like the "egg and tomato bao," which a customer praised for its "intense savory umami flavor." These items provide a more substantial option for breakfast or lunch, catering to a wider range of tastes.
• Table-Side Service for Desserts: For those who choose to dine in, some desserts, such as the "iced chocolate soufflé," are served with a theatrical touch. A customer mentioned that this particular dessert was poured at the table, creating a unique and memorable experience that makes dining in extra special.
• Coffee and Beverages: As a full-service cafe, Papa d’Amour serves a variety of coffee and other drinks. Customers can enjoy a hot coffee, iced coffee, or other beverages to complement their pastries, making it a perfect spot for a morning coffee run or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Packaged Bread for Home: Customers also have the option to purchase bread to take home, with a reviewer noting that they "bought a ton of bread to go sealed for home." This service allows patrons to enjoy the high-quality bread from Papa d’Amour even after they leave the cafe.

What sets Papa d’Amour apart from the crowded New York bakery scene are its truly innovative and thoughtful features.

• Creative Fusion Cuisine: The bakery’s primary highlight is its unique blend of French and Asian flavors. This isn’t a simple combination but a thoughtful integration of different culinary traditions, resulting in items like the mochi donut with taro lace and hotdog croissant. This creative approach keeps the menu exciting and is a major draw for food enthusiasts.
• Dominique Ansel's Signature Quality: The name Dominique Ansel is a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship. Customers can trust that every item, from the simplest jam to the most complex pastry, has been meticulously crafted with the highest standards, as reflected in the positive reviews of the strawberry jam and various pastries.
• Sensory and Interactive Experience: The bakery offers more than just food; it provides a sensory experience. The vibrant atmosphere on opening day, the visual appeal of the pastries, and the interactive table-side service for some desserts make a visit to Papa d’Amour a memorable event.
• A Fresh and Exciting Addition: As one customer noted, the bakery is a "great addition to New York City’s bakery scene." It offers something different from the standard fare, providing a fresh perspective that keeps the city's food landscape from becoming stale.
• Dine-In and Take-Out Flexibility: The bakery caters to different needs, whether a customer wants to sit down and enjoy a leisurely iced soufflé or grab a few pastries and a loaf of bread to go. This flexibility, along with plenty of seating (despite the crowds), makes it a versatile destination.

To find and contact Papa d’Amour, locals can use the following information. Given its popularity, it's a good idea to plan your visit, especially on weekends.

Address: 64 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (917) 675-6151

For any New Yorker seeking a new and exciting culinary adventure, Papa d’Amour is a must-visit destination. Its location near Union Square makes it incredibly accessible, while its creative menu provides a unique take on pastries and baked goods that can't be found anywhere else in the city. The genius of Dominique Ansel shines through in every detail, from the inventive flavor combinations to the meticulous craftsmanship. Despite some of the initial crowds that are a natural part of any hyped New York opening, the quality of the food and the unique experience make the bakery well worth a visit. It’s a place that fosters a sense of community and discovery, perfect for locals who appreciate both tradition and innovation. Papa d’Amour is not just a bakery; it's a new chapter in New York's ever-evolving food story, and it's one that every local will want to be a part of.

Papa d’Amour

64 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA