Apparently, the Atkins Diet is dead- at least in Newton!
From French treats at Antoine’s and Tous les Jours to focaccia pizzas at Salt to the latest line-down-the-block creation at Làkon, and the ever-more-ubiquitous (but always delicious) Tatte, there are plenty of places to satisfy carbohydrate cravings.
Perhaps it is fitting in a city that has a cake-based cookie named for it that one of the most prevalent types of food providers in the area is the bakery.
But how can one decide?
Fortunately, there are apparently a few places that are at least trying to set themselves apart from the pastry pack.
In the space formerly filled by Galit’s Treats (an amazing bakery in its own right!) is the world-famous bakery and sandwich shop called Bakey (http://bakeybabka.com).
Founded in September 2021 by James Beard Award–nominee and Bread Bakery founders Uri Scheft and Or Ohana, Bakey brings authentic international ingredients and Old Country inspiration to make freshly-baked (all day!) and irresistible takes on the traditional Jewish braided (and Seinfeld-beloved) bread known as babka.
In addition to offering their award-winning chocolate babka and a constantly-expanding menu of flavors inspired by local produce, Bakey also hosts babka baking classes at their Boston location and has new locations opening all the time. However, there is nothing like bumping into neighbors while you drool over the babka case or eat a fresh lox and shmear sandwich in the heart of the Garden City!
“Bakey came to Newton with the intention of staying,” maintains Bakey CEO Brijesh KC. “We weren’t a pop-up. We wanted to become part of everyday life here.”
When asked what sets Bakey apart, KC mentions Scheft’s famous commitment to “craftsmanship…without cutting corners.”
“We use premium ingredients,” he says. “Everything is made in-house, and technique really matters to us. Babka isn’t just something we sell, it’s who we are!”
While the babka surely brings most people to Bakey, many return again and again to see what is new in Scheft’s set of sweet and savory satisfiers.
As Valentine’s Day is especially appropriate for sweet treats, we asked KC what will be baking at Bakey for the beloved and broken-hearted alike.
“Valentine’s Day at Bakey is about thoughtful indulgence,” KC declares, mentioning such romantic recipes as limited-edition heart-shaped cookies, curated gift boxes, and shareable desserts that are perfect for gifting or celebrating at home. “It’s simple, intentional, and meant to feel special without going over the top.”
From morning coffee to weekend treats to birthdays and other celebrations, KC sees Bakey as part of the “rhythm” of Newton.
“Newton is a values-driven town,” KC observes, “and that really aligns with how we operate…. We focus on quality, show up consistently, and respect the community we’re in.”
Though other bakeries were already established and still more have come to town since Bakey opened, KC says she does not feel that they are in competition.
“Strong food communities work best when there’s variety,” KC suggests. “People don’t want duplicates, they want options…. When each bakery sticks to its identity and standards, everyone benefits…[so] we focus on doing our thing well and contributing to the neighborhood in a positive way!”
Speaking of standards, Blacker’s Bakeshop (http://blackersbakeshop.com) has been setting itself apart by offering delicious kosher baked goods for over 30 years.
Though the bakery started as a wholesale cookie business in 1985, the Blacker family food tradition goes back much further!
“The Blacker family has been a food staple in Newton since the 1950’s when Sam Blacker opened Blacker Brothers, a produce market on Langley Road,” explains Manager Becca Blacker, who is Sam’s granddaughter and the third generation in the family business.
The Bakeshop was officially opened by Becca’s parents, Richard and Karen Blacker, in 2008.
“There has been a bakery in this space since the 1960’s under a number of different names,” Becca Blacker explains. “We took it over from a woman who had made it nut-free, so we kept that allergy-friendly option for the existing clientele.”
In addition to being one of the only bakeries that is dedicated to serving people with food allergies and dietary restrictions, Blacker’s continues to win raves for their challah and other treats.
“Blacker’s has quickly become a favorite spot for locals in need of allergy-friendly, Kosher baked goods – and residents who just need a sugar fix,” Blacker says, previewing such new menu items as heart cookies, cake truffles, and chocolate/cherry sourdough.
In addition to offering sweet treats to help people brighten their days, Blacker maintains that her talented team does all it can to really get to know their customers so they can almost predict what each will order every time they call or come in.
“Many people have commented on our genuine friendliness and interest in our customers,” Blacker remarks. “They call us ‘bakery therapy’ because we really get to know our customers and care about them.”
Though she admits it may be “wishful thinking,” Blacker suggests that, “if we see each other as collaborators rather than competitors…we can all benefit from the hungry Newton population.”
Another family bakery is the newest neighbor in Newton – Luna’s Cakes and Coffee (www.lunascakesandcoffee.com).
“We’re new to Newton and feel incredibly grateful to be here,” says Valentina Rrestreppo, who runs and bakes for Luna’s with her sister Valeria. “We immediately fell in love with the strong sense of community and neighborhood pride. It felt like the perfect place to grow our business and become part of something special!”
Though they were aware that they were entering a community that already had what she calls “talented, well-loved bakeries,” Restrepo sees this as a positive.
“Each bakery plays an important role,” she observes, “and we truly admire the care and craftsmanship that already exists here. We see our relationship with other local bakeries as one built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the community.”
As she and her sister specialize in cakes, Restrepo sees Luna’s as being able to carve its own niche in Newton Centre.
“Each bakery has its own specialty, style, and customer experience,” she suggests. “Together, we offer the community a wide range of options, which is what makes the local food scene so special!”
In addition to specializing in cakes, the Restrepo sisters also bring their Latin American roots to flavor the neighborhood in a new way.
“Our tres leches cake is a must-try,” Restrepo says of Luna’s take on the traditional recipe. “[It is] our original product that started this whole journey from home. It’s a light sponge cake soaked in a three-milk mixture, topped with whipped cream, and perfectly balanced, not too sweet, just rich and comforting.”
Restrepo also spotlights the comforting vibe she and her sister try to bring to the area through their dining space.
“We focus heavily on creating an inviting in-store experience,” she says, “whether you’re stopping in for coffee and dessert or celebrating a small moment.”
With a name like Valentina, Restrepo surely knows what to do on her eponymous day and looks forward to sharing heart-shaped cake pops, Valentine’s cupcakes, and gift boxes featuring a bento cake that’s perfect for two.
Even if you do not make it in time to declare your love with carbs, however, the many bakeries in Newton always have new and tempting offerings that are perfect for any time of year.
And as Newton is such a walking-friendly city, there is plenty of opportunities to burn all the delicious calories as you move from one to another.
Happy tasting!