By Nick Puleo
The soggy fall day did not stop loyal customers and curious tourists from trekking out into the New England cold to get a taste of the North End’s most famous pastries.
Mike’s Pastry, on Hanover Street, was packed with customers agog at choosing one of the many tasty treats displayed in the long glass cases. Employees hurriedly packed the small white boxes with pastries, then tied them shut with an ease that comes from years of experience.
“When I think of the North End, I can’t help but think of Mike’s Pastry,” said Joe Poles, 20, of Boston. “Their pastries are so good.”
Pastries at Mike’s run between $1.75 and $2.50 each; the size definitely making the price worthwhile. Cannolis, which come in abundant variety, are the most popular item.
“People know us for our cannolis, which we make by hand right here,” said Paula Mizzoni, the bakery manager.
The shop also ships the pastries all around the country. Their Web site, mikespastry.com, has become popular with many of their customers as an outlet to extend their demographic.
Just across the street from Mike’s is Modern Pastry. This is a good alternative for people seeking good pastry, without dealing with the long waits that can offer occur at Mike’s.
While quantity and quality is comparable to Mike’s, the selection is definitely much smaller. Variety at Modern Pastry pales in comparison to the more popular Mike’s, but it is made up for with their quality.
For the night owls, Bova’s Bakery is definitely the place to go. This back street bakery serves hungry pastry seekers 24 hours a day. The pastry size and price runs about the same as the others. The quality, however, is not quite as good as Mike’s.
“I like the quality and the atmosphere here,” said Chuck Pistorino, 20, of Quincy. “It’s what I think a bakery in Italy would be like.”
The bakery also offers Sicilian pizza and fresh calzones. The calzones run $6 per pound, but are worth the price, customers say.
“Being able to come get a calzone in the middle of the night is definitely the best part about this place,” Pistorino said.
Bova’s also boasts to have the North End’s best bread and offers a wide selection. It is located on Prince Street, just past Mike’s Pastry.
