Megan Soyars

Creative Kitchen Ovenly Sets up Shop in Greenpoint

Spicy Bacon Caramel Corn. Dark Chocolate Candied Ginger Cookies. Unique, delectable treats like these, courtesy of bakers Ovenly, have been available throughout NYC since 2010. As of this past Friday, Ovenly’s goods can all be found in one place—31 Greenpoint Avenue.

This one-stop shop for savory sweetness hosted its grand opening on May 25th, and creators, Erin Patinkin and Agatha Kulaga, couldn’t have been happier. The shop, designed by artist Brady Dollarhide and Evan and Oliver Haslegrave of hOmE, boasts bright floral arrangements and wide, sun-filled windows. As a retail store/cafe, it allows the partners to supply the growing demand for their treats, while giving them a chance to test out a new menu.

“The [shop’s] kitchen is going to become an experimenting ground for us,” Patinkin said. “It’s great finally having our own place, because basically we can do whatever we want!”

Patinkin and Kulaga continue to do what they do best: bringing their signature twist to snacks, breakfast foods, and desserts. Ovenly uses plenty of spices to get the taste buds dancing. “We really appeal to people who have a sweet tooth, but still want something savory,” Kulaga said.

So what’s new on the menu? First up are hot tarts, Ovenly’s take on pop-tarts, which come in flavors like Carmel Bacon and Cheddar Scallion. The duo is also offering an array of unique scones. “We’ve sold a Bloody Mary Scone, and a Pine Nut and Dark Chocolate Scone,” said Kulaga. “We’re going to be changing the menu so there’s always something new, and it’s baked fresh everyday.”

The new shop also marks Patinkin’s and Kulaga’s return to Greenpoint after a year-long hiatus. “We’d been working in a commercial kitchen in Red Hook [Brooklyn],” Patinkin said. “We’re happy to be back in Greenpoint and part of the community again. [Kulaga and I] both live here and we started Ovenly here.”

Before the brick-and-mortar shop, Ovenly’s first wholesale client was Veronica’s People Club. The partners quickly branched out, providing pastries, desserts, and snacks to bars and cafes throughout the neighborhood. Thanks to the baking company, Greenpointers no longer had to settle for a stale bowl of peanuts with their beer, or a humdrum glazed donut with their coffee.

Although Ovenly’s market is no longer exclusively local (they ship to locations as far reaching as Florida, California, and Washington), their beginning and future revolves around Greenpoint. They source many their ingredients locally, from Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, My Friend’s Mustard, Brooklyn Brewery, and the Eastern District, among others.

“It’s important for us to stay local and organic whenever possible,” Patinkin explained. “All of this creates a like-minded community of foodies helping each other. Ovenly is happy, local businesses are happy, and most importantly, the customers are happy.

Plus, as one of the only coffee shops along the East River, Ovenly is sure to draw in commuters. The team is offering a 50% discount on coffee for weary ferry riders looking for a pick-me-up, as well as ready-to-go ‘breakfast boxes.’ “And if you’re a biker, just bring in your helmet and we will give you 10% off,” Patinkin said.

Finally, the permanent space allows Ovenly to develop a relationship with their customer base. “We’d like to have events for people to come to in the future, like food tastings and cooking classes, plus a seated brunch,” said Patinkin.

In an era of mass-produced treats that can be found in every Duane Reade on every corner, it’s a sweet relief to find retailers like Ovenly. “You’ll be able to find stuff here that you can’t get anywhere else, not even from what we’re selling wholesale,” Patinkin declared. “The new kitchen’s about having fun and experimenting!”

Ovenly
31 Greenpoint Avenue
347-689-3608
Oven.ly.com
Thursday to Monday from 7am-6pm (schedule to change in coming weeks)

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