Julian Rocha/The Hofstra Chronicle
There are many reasons to despise traveling through Penn Station. There is extremely limited seating available for travelers, the station can be crowded and difficult to navigate at times and if there’s a Knicks or Rangers home game, rowdy sports fans practically flood the corridors. However, Magnolia Bakery is a decadent oasis in the sea of chaotic travelers. Located in the Moynihan Train Hall, it sticks out with its inviting glass walls and bright, cheerful lights. Fans of “Sex and the City,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Spin City” might recognize the Magnolia Bakery name, as it has been mentioned in a variety of different shows and movies.
During my first time at Magnolia Bakery, I had no idea what to expect. A train station was one of the last places I expected to find a quality slice of cake, so I was very skeptical when I walked in. Immediately upon entering, the assortment of cupcakes caught my eye, each with a neat swirl of pastel frosting on top.
Those in search of breakfast instead of dessert can also find what they need, as Magnolia Bakery opens at 7 a.m. everyday, with muffins and hot drinks such as tea and coffee elsewhere on the menu.
The service was impeccable; I never once felt rushed by the employees, even though they were moving at breakneck speed to put sweets in the hands of patrons. Most of the employees appeared to be college-aged, but they operated with the professionalism of customer service veterans.
When I am ordering dessert, I tend to stick to the simplest option on the menu, which, in this case was a slice of vanilla cake with buttercream frosting. As with many of the other items in the bakery, a lavender-colored smear of frosting adorned the slice, nicely contrasting the light, fluffy cake base. It is a much more sophisticated taste than a traditional birthday cake, as it is much more dense and filling.
Magnolia Bakery is a convenient spot to grab a sweet dessert or a cup of coffee during a commute or a jaunt around the city. Mere steps from the LIRR, it’s a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
