nyc-etc: i want candy

It’s NO secret that we love sweets around here. And between our many jaunts to Economy Candy and Sockerbit (not to mention the rotating array of fruit rolls, caramels and brittle that come out of my kitchen), I usually feel like I’ve got the whole “sugar thing” well covered.

And then Chelsea sent me this article – wha? How have we missed SO many candy shops?

I immediately wrote back: “Spring break. Bring it.” And I compiled my list.

Our first stop wasn’t even in the article but it was first on my list of must-sees.

CuRious Candy is tucked away on the second floor of Cynthia Rowley’s new boutique on the Upper East Side.

Yes, you are reading this correctly  – it’s a Cynthia Rowley candy store.

The boutique is set back from the street, and entered through a gated courtyard that looks straight out of Alice in Wonderland – by way of Willy Wonka. Ms. Rowley commissioned designer Raul Avila to create an otherworldly woodland setting, complete with twisting, arching branches, oversized metal blossoms and giant mirrors.

The candy shop itself is on the second floor of the boutique, where you are greeted by salesgirls dressed in stark black dresses with white lace collars (click any picture to enlarge).

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As for the candy?

It’s the typical “by the pound” selection, displayed in long rows of square cases. There are also giant lollipops, chocolate bars made exclusively for the store, and edible serving platters, as well as cotton candy in grown-up flavors like licorice and watermelon-mint (edible glitter, optional). Small toys are sold by the pound too (cute).

Next up was Papabubble.

A spare little shop in Little Italy, Papabubble looks more laboratory than candy store. With tiled walls, glass beakers, metal shelving and packaging that would look perfectly at home in a European hardware store, I was instantly smitten (click any picture to enlarge).

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Papabubble specializes in hand-pulled candies, many with intricate designs in the centers (like lemon slices, bicycles and hearts). Unfortunately, we missed the biggest “treat” of visiting the store – watching the candy-makers actually creating the confections right before your eyes. This is done at various times throughout the day, so call ahead if you don’t want to miss it.

Finally, we hit up Dewey’s Candy, in DUMBO. Noah joined us for this one, and we had a rad time picking out our favorites among the rows and rows of glass jars on display. The centerpiece of the store is a giant lollipop “chandelier” that you’ll want to stand under and Instagram your friends to death with – which, judging from my feed, I think I did (click any picture to enlarge).

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Dewey’s is owned by Alison Oblonsky, a veteran of the fashion industry – which explains the cute layout and attention to detail that makes this store completely charming. Alison greeted Noah immediately, got down to his level and told him, “If you don’t touch any of the candy while you’re here I’ll give you a special treat.”

Noah nodded in agreement and, true to her word, was presented with a handful of stickers when we checked out.

Proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park makes this a nice stop before a day skipping stones at Pebble Beach or riding Jane’s Carousel.

Our exhaustive work is never done around here so I’m sure there will be more sugar-fueled stops to come – any you’d like to add?

CuRious Candy
Papabubble
Dewey’s Candy

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5 Comments

  1. Drew on April 19, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    So cute, Sheri. Now I know where I’ll have to take the family when we next go to NYC. Dewey’s looks exactly like my type of candy store.

    • sherisilver on April 19, 2013 at 7:49 pm

      Thanks Drew – although I hope to be your personal tour guide when you guys come! 🙂

      • Drew on April 19, 2013 at 7:50 pm

        Even better!

  2. Dewey on May 3, 2013 at 1:16 am

    Hi Sheri,

    Thank you so much for the amazing write up! Sorry it took me so long to write to you!

    Hope to see you and Noah again soon!

    Warmest Regards,
    Dewey

    • sherisilver on May 3, 2013 at 7:13 am

      We hope to be back soon too! 🙂

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!