Milk Bar (bakery)

Milk Bar (bakery)

Momofuku Milk Bar Nolita sign

Milk Bar is a chain of dessert and bakery restaurants founded by chef Christina Tosi. It is known for its innovative and playful approach to classic American desserts, often incorporating unexpected ingredients and techniques. Milk Bar is a part of the Momofuku restaurant group, which was founded by chef David Chang.

History

Milk Bar was established in 2008 in the East Village neighborhood of New York City. Christina Tosi, who had been working as a pastry chef for Momofuku, was encouraged by David Chang to open a bakery that would complement the savory offerings of the Momofuku restaurants. The first Milk Bar location quickly gained popularity for its unique and whimsical desserts.

Signature Dishes

Milk Bar is renowned for several signature dishes that have become iconic in the world of desserts.

Cereal Milk

Cereal Milk

Cereal Milk is one of Milk Bar's most famous creations. It is a beverage made by soaking toasted cornflakes in milk, then straining the mixture to capture the flavor of the cereal. This milk is then used as a base for soft serve ice cream, panna cotta, and other desserts. The concept of Cereal Milk plays on the nostalgic experience of drinking the milk left over after eating a bowl of cereal.

Crack Pie

Crack Pie

Crack Pie, now known as "Milk Bar Pie," is another signature dessert. It is a rich, buttery pie with a toasted oat crust and a gooey, sweet filling made from butter, sugar, and cream. The pie's addictive quality led to its original name, though it has since been renamed to be more sensitive to the implications of the term "crack."

Compost Cookie

The Compost Cookie is a cookie that incorporates a variety of sweet and salty ingredients, such as pretzels, potato chips, coffee grounds, oats, butterscotch, and chocolate chips. This cookie exemplifies Milk Bar's approach to combining unexpected flavors and textures to create a unique dessert experience.

Expansion

Since its inception, Milk Bar has expanded beyond New York City, opening locations in cities such as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Toronto, and Las Vegas. The brand has also developed a line of products available in grocery stores, including baking mixes and ready-to-eat cookies.

Cultural Impact

Milk Bar has had a significant impact on the dessert industry, inspiring a new wave of bakeries and dessert shops that emphasize creativity and nostalgia. Christina Tosi has become a prominent figure in the culinary world, appearing on television shows such as "MasterChef" and "Chef's Table."

Related Pages

• Christina Tosi
• Momofuku
• David Chang
• East Village, Manhattan