Flakey Tart - Atlantic Highlands.
A while back I had a craving for a Pan Chocolate, (forgive my spelling - I not only kill french while speaking, I write it terrible as well!) and asked in a threadwhere to find it in Monmouth County. FOUND IT!!!!! This place is amazing. It's located in the same store front that used to be Just Great Desserts. I checked it out on Wednesday, and was told that the display cases were a little on the empty side as it is mid-week, and that there are more items on weekends. If there were more things available I may have exploded,, so maybe I'm better off. So here is what I tried today: Pan Chocolate, unbelievably flakey puff pastry, buttery with a nice filling of good quality chocolate. Next up a Ham & Gruyerre Croissant, same pastry with ham and cheese baked right into the dough, and finally Pecan Sticky Buns. The folks at this place actually had roll their own puff pastry dough. I have never seen a bakery like this outside of NYC. There were also a few savory items available, although outside if the croissant I didn't try anything. I have a strong suspicion that I may be going there again real soon (tomorrow) so if I try anything else I'll be sure to post
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re: sockster
Yes, the Flaky Tart is wonderful and certainly deserves 5 stars. Their pastries are incomparable and the service is friendly and quick. My only request would be for some delicious crusty baguettes for the mornings that I don't feel like eating something so sweet. Don't forget their delicious coffee as well.
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Flaky Tart
145 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ-
re: Luclyd
Ahh...but you see, the Flaky Tart is a patisserie, not a boulangerie. In France, the two rarely intertwine. It would be great, though, to have some fabulous homemade baguette available. Till then, Whole Foods is a pretty decent alternative.
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Flaky Tart
145 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ-
re: radiogrl1
Yes, I'm aware of the differences, having lived in France for several months. However, we're in Atlantic Highlands and they could bend the rules....just a little, n'est-ce pas? I adore everything they make and it wasn't a criticism at all, just a longing for the pain charleston that I developed a taste for those many years ago....!
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JerzeyShore
May 8, 2009 07:54 PM
Finally made it to the Holy Grail of pastry shops and no need to heap on the praise. Just simply to say - AWESOME.
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I actually just visited the Flakey Tart for the first time last weekend with a friend who swears by it. Everyone I tasted was amazing. There was a few of us who bought some lovely things, all different, so we all got to share. I tried the brioche with salt, pain au chocolat, an apple and bear pastry (can't remember the name), and a chocolate/cherry scone. EVERYTHING was amazing and sooooooo delicious. I'm going back this weekend to see what else I can get my hands on. Definitely a must stop if you are in the area!!!!
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re: dani0622
Now, don't get me wrong, I love The Flaky Tart. However, I was disappointed with the Pain Chocolate (sorry for any misspelling) that I had today. There was very little chocolate and I mean Very little. I went for a scone (the best around) but they did not have any more by the time I got there. Anyway, I'll try it again. Since I live in Eatontown and try not to eat too much fat, I don't go every day or week but do make it twice a month.
This is still the best place in the area.
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leesh782
Apr 8, 2008 01:58 PM
Just thought I'd give you all a headsup:
FLAKY TART WILL BE CLOSED FOR *SPRING CLEANING* FROM MONDAY APRIL 14TH-MONDAY APRIL 21ST.
Regular hours resume Tuesday, April 22nd. So make sure to head over and get your fix before you're FlakyTartless for a whole week!
:)
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re: mbw1024
Tried inserting a photo but that didn't work so will try attaching. Today I bought ham & grueyre and pain chocolate, blueberry and plain crumb cake, a cinnamon bun, coconut tarts and some CC cookies. The tarts were very good - that's all we have sampled so far! Cute and friendly place.
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re: DrewBB
val ann c
Mar 29, 2008 08:55 PM
What Drew said! Also, I'm not sure the pain chocolat, croissant, and cinnamon bun will be nearly as good the next day. These should be eaten on the same day. The cake and cookies will keep better.
I suggest you reheat the croissant and pain chocolat in the oven (not the microwave).
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HillJ
Feb 22, 2008 05:23 PM
I've been to FT dozens of times already; for breakfast, lunch and on my way home to purchase dessert for my family, I can't say I've seen a 1pm closing or an issue with deserving growing pains. I have noticed (and enjoyed) a change in menu selection btwn morning & afternoon offerings and my share of visits where the growing popularity of FT has left me (sadly) facing a near empty pastry case.
On Valentine's Day, while picking up my pre-ordered chocolate cake (heaven), assorted macaroons and croissants, I did note a lack of adequate parking, but such is the charm of downtown Atlantic Highlands.
I fully expect FT to continue to expand on their outstanding bakery and lunch selections and continue to gain in popularity!
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re: HillJ
My husband and I were working hard all weekend getting our townhome ready for the painters. By noon today, we needed to visit The Flaky Tart. We drove from Eatontown. The pastry cases were not empty but things were limited. We had scones and coffee-both great. As stated, due to the popularity of this little shop, I can't always have a taste of everything. It's well worth the trip, though.
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flourgirl
Feb 18, 2008 11:41 AM
OK, I've had it - after reading all of these posts I am just going to have to bite the bullet and take a drive down there. It is probably an hour and a half for me but what the heck. I am so jealous of all of you who live close to this amazing sounding bakery. We have absolutely nothing around us that sounds like it comes close to this place
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re: flourgirl
fershore
Feb 18, 2008 01:31 PM
We enjoyed the mac n cheese, the ham n gruyere croissant, and the chocolate chip cookies per chowhounds' recs. While we were deciding what to order, we were offered a peanut butter cookie fresh out of the oven: two cookies w/PB between. Oh my!
I for one am glad that the bridge construction will make getting there difficult; otherwise, I think I might explode with flaky goodness.
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re: flourgirl
ambrose
Feb 22, 2008 11:27 AM
Flourgirl, if you're in the area, you should absolutely, positively visit The Flaky Tart. However, I would not spend three hours in the car and $12-$18 in gas to go there. The solution may be to go to the Tart in the late afternoon, then drive home via New Brunswick and have a great dinner at one of the restaurants there.
If you're looking for a great bakery in our area, I strongly recommend The Clinton House Bakery, right next to the restaurant in Clinton. It's strictly take out and fairly small but they do some serious Austrian-style baking there!
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re: ambrose
flourgirl
Feb 22, 2008 01:02 PM
No, you're right - I'm probably not going to take a drive down there just to go to the bakery - maybe we'll go when we can make a day out of heading down the shore, with the Flaky Tart being our first stop.
As for the Clinton House Bakery, I've never tried it, but I'm surprised to hear it's any good. I just ate at the Clinton House with friends a few weeks ago and for the most part, I thought the food was pretty bad. But the next time I'm in Clinton I'll peek in there and maybe give it a try. Thanks for the tip! :)
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re: seal
Whoa! Most bakeries I'm familiar with do not close at 1 p.m.
I've not managed to get to the Flaky Tart yet, but it sounds as though they are either unable or unwilling to keep up with the huge demand, a lot of which, I have no doubt, is the result of the exceedingly favorable publicity they've received on this board.
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re: xny556cip
As it happens, the absolutely best croissant I've had in France was actually not in Paris but rather from a small bakery in the town of Sens.
I haven't managed to get to Flakey Tart yet, so I can't comment on the quality of the croissants or anything else other than the cookies, which were provided to me by another Hound, and which were excellent.
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HillJ
Feb 14, 2008 01:39 PM
I also returned to the Flaky Tart today to pickup a preordered chocolate cake, chocolate macaroons, several croissants. The place was packed! The cases and shelves were full of delicious Valentine's Day offerings and so without hesitation raspberry crumbcake and strawberry scones also came home with me. I fear the word has gotten OUT on this devine bakery. Good for you Flaky Tart, good for YOU!
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re: HillJ
Well...I was going to post later, since I'm in class right now, but I figured I would explain how I bought out half the bakery (as shesallthat mentioned) =D
Pictures will come in my next post later tonight.
I was actually looking foward to the mac and cheese! But, as I only had 10 minutes to get in and out, I could not wait for it.
I bought a chocolate cake for my roommate, since he had class.... (It's so pretty!)
Then I got a strawberry heart cake for one of my friends, to which she said "yumm i tried it. yayy flaky tart. thanks!" haha she looked so happy when she saw it.
Then...another key-lime tart pie (my friends love it), a baker's dozen of the macaroon's, 20 cookies, a pain au chocolat, one of the raspberry hearts (thanks for the suggestion shesallthat!), a ham and gruyere crossant, a pastry that was the block version of the raspberry hearts, 3 chocolate tarts, and 3 lemon meringue tarts. It took two people to get all that out of the door! But...I'm pretty sure these are going to disappear within the next 24 hours!-
re: wherethetreefalls
Wherethetreefalls - this is crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzy!!! You're posting pictures, interrupting classes, traveling hundreds of miles with a two man crew carrying a load that will tilt any car!!! LOL. There's a disease going around and I think you've got it too....Hi my name is Shesallthat and I'm a Flaky Tart addict!
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re: bgut1
Ok, just got back from The Flaky Tart. It was our first trip. I had the maple scone. The scone was the best. My husband had the Raspberry Crumb square. He said it was great. I took my Mom the lemon tart and also, the macaroons with the chocolate. All I can say, is that I'll return to The Flaky Tart. It is great. It's a good thing that I do not live closer to the stoe.
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re: vtt7
It's a good thing that I don't live near there as well...or all my money would go to them!
In the end, I did not end up getting to taste the strawberry cake...it was all gone by the time I got back.
The grand marnier chocolate cake was RICH! I took a small piece and boy was chocolaty!
The tarts were good, but I learned not to leave them out for a day.
My friends are still raving about the macaroons though...those seem to be the star
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re: wherethetreefalls
HillJ
Feb 17, 2008 12:06 PM
It took 12 of us and a pint of homemade vanilla ice cream to polish off the grand marnier chocolate cake! Chocolate topped macroons were the big hit. I'm sorry we didn't purchase the strawberry cake, great photo! But more converts from monmouth county....FT is a definate find.
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HillJ
Feb 12, 2008 04:15 PM
The Flaky Tart is offering a number of specialty cakes and petite desserts for V-day if anyone is interested. Already placed my order!
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re: wherethetreefalls
Went back to Flaky today and I think I enjoyed my second visit there more than my first (if that's possible because I loved my first visit there)! You know how when you walk into a store and the person behind the counter can barely muster a "can I help you" let alone a smile? Well not Barbara. She's the first one you will see at Flaky. From the minute you walk in Barbara greets you and makes you feel right at home.. She's sweet, she's friendly, she laughs, she smiles and it all fits in with what Flaky Tart offers. As soon as I came in Marie came out to thank me for the rave review I gave her here on my previous visit which was nice that she remembered me. Marie is very nice and as busy as she is she took the time to speak with many of her patrons.Which again, is a nice touch.. What to order...such a problem. While I waited for my macoroni and cheese dh and I munched on a maple scone and a raspberry crumb heart. Yum! I took home chocolate chip cookies, a plain crossiant and a pan au chocolate and another raspberry heart. While I was there I ran into "wherethetreefalls" and he bought so many things that I think he should seriously consider renting a u haul on his next visit, lol! While I waited for the mac and cheese we got to watch all the people coming in happy and leaving even happier. A lot of people come in for lunch and I got the feeling that her choices for lunch vary greatly as this older gentleman was very disappointed that she didn't have "pea soup" which according to Barbara she's only made once before. If I have one complaint about this place...and it's a big one..is that it's too far from me (throws hissy fit) and I wished I lived closer so I could go more often. But it is so worth the trip and even though right now I'm full and I've got several things saved for tonight and tomorrow, I still can't wait for my next visit! And even though it took us 48 minutes to get there (by GPS) it's like an outing to a very special place the kind you come by accident perhaps on vacation somewhere; and aren't we lucky that we have this gift named Marie in our neighborhood :)> By the way, she will be closed this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (only) and will reopen on Wednesday.
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leesh782
Feb 12, 2008 12:13 PM
Woohoo! Made it there this morning before work. I live the next town over so it was no big hike for me, which I'm quite excited about b/c I KNOW I'll be back tomorrow morning! It was so, so good. I bought a couple things for the office and brought them over today and everyone was very happy. I work at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank so treats are much-appreciated when we're super busy! I bought: 2 plain croissants (amazing), 2 pain au chocolate (also amazing), 2 chocolate/almond croissants (the almond paste inside was a bit much for me, but live and learn... the toasted almond slices and powdered sugar on top were fantastic) and 4 of those insanely good chocolate ganache-filled macaroons (@ $1 a pop, I didn't even mind... SO AWESOME) and a cup of coffee. I forgot to ask anyone's name but the lady who helped me at the counter (I assume Marie?) was so nice and funny. I told her it was my first time stopping in and that I'd heard about the place online, which she was very pleased with. What a cute (and tiny) place! I'm looking forward to buying a salad or sandwich to take with me next time. Who am I kidding... next time is gonna be TOMORROW MORNING! They also had fresh-cut fruit salad, chili, paninis, cupcakes, and all sorts of drinks. Smelled so good in there. And I liked that there was a huge viewing window into the kitchen so you could watch all the bakers (who today were all women) mixing and chatting. Very cute. So yes... definitely stop in whenever you can. The parking lot in front is very tiny but there's plenty of street parking in the area, and also a small lot directly behind the building as well. And by the way, as per the logo and sign, its F-L-A-K-Y. No "E". I'm attaching a photo of the cute little macaroon. Sorry it's so dark. Bon appetit!
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re: leesh782
val ann c
Feb 12, 2008 01:00 PM
leesh
I liked reading your report.I've already wrttten enough gushing prose about The Flaky Tart, but I have to report on today's lunch...
I had a big cup of chili made with ground beef and beans. Most of us make this variety of chili at home. As with everything else at the FT, Marie takes the commonplace dish to the nth degree of quality and taste. The FT chili had a bright spicy flavor, topped with shredded cheddar, creme fraiche, and chopped cilantro. Served with a buttered baguette. The butter was so good. A great lunch for $6.Of course I bought cookies and cupcakes to go.
Everything at FT is made with intelligence and pride. The little place brims with good will.
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sunsetterdottie
Feb 3, 2008 06:55 AM
I finally made it there myself yesterday afternoon. WOW. Hard to control yourself and choose what to buy. I brought home two Pan Chocolate, two scones, and a rasberry lindsor coffee cake. The Pan Chocolate was tried immediately based on all the comments here.At first bite I thought to myself, "It's a litte skimpy on the chocolate". Then I got a taste of what was inside. There may not be a lot in there but the richness and quality of the chocolate certainly makes up for it. We have been working on splitting the rest of the treats up. The scones have an amazing texture. They need nothing on them to be enjoyed. Usually I find scones to be dry if you don't add butter or cream cheese.........not these. They stand alone just fine. We have one that is a Turtle flavor (my dh says it's chocolate and nuts). The one I tried was Maple walnut. Great bakery. Glad it's close!
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whoo hoo! I just found this post, called the Flaky Tart, and they've put aside a couple pain au chocolat for me!!!
I'm so excited! The chocolate croissants at Panera have a honey glaze on them and that just makes me mad!!!! Wazzap with that??
I'm too excited, have to leave and go to AH now...
--kristin
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re: val ann c
Went to flaky tart today...actually...whole day was more or less based on flaky tart...
My friends and I traveled all of 50 minutes, and it was worth every grueling minute trying to find the little bakery.
I couldn't believe how small the bakery was! But, since we got there at 2, there wasn't many options left. However, I did manage to get myself a pain au chocolat. When I read the posts, I just did a literal translation in my head, so I was expecting this big slab of chocolate bread. Needless, the pain was very nicely made. Flaky, not too buttery, not too overpowering. That added with a coffee made my after-lunch "meal" all the better. My friend got the key-lime tart as a Superbowl dessert for our neighbors (I'm a college student). Two friends got the scones, which looked delicious, but I wasn't in the mood to eat such a big scone. We ended up getting another key-lime tart pie for ourselves...at which point I conveniently told them our trek to the bakery. Maria the bakeress came out to greet us. Really friendly! I was amused at how homely this bakery was. It convinced us to buy a bag of cookies, a brownie, and ham and gruyere crossiant (I forwarded this thread to one of my friends and he demanded that we get him the croissant) to go. Then, as we were about to walk out, they gave us complimentary cookies and carrot cake mini-cupcakes! Amazing service. They definately made lifelong customers! We're probably going back there before Valentine's to get at least 2 chocolate cakes from them. -
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Looks like those of you who have been enjoying the Flakey Tart are in for company. Andrea Clurfeld praises the baked goods and other offerings on the front page of the Jersey Life section of today's APP.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070926/LIFE/709260335/1006
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...ETA: Not sure whether its the "Flakey" or "Flaky" Tart. This thread has it one way and the APP the other.
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re: HillJ
karins
Sep 29, 2007 11:38 AM
well i drove there ater work..work is in somerset..and i tried the tiny croissant filled with ham and gruyerre..and also the chocolate chip cookies...both were yummy..i put the cookies in the freezer and i keep breaking off halves for a treat..lovely little place..thanks for the info!
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re: karins
seal
Oct 14, 2007 11:19 AM
Made the family take a huge detour after a bunch of errands this morning and finally made it to Flaky Tart. Good call.
We had the mini iced carrot cake, blueberry crumb cake, pain au chocolat, and walked away with a bag of choc chip cookies. Not a loser in the bunch. Can't wait to go back.
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re: seal
My original experience with the flaky tart was jaw droppingly delicious. Their croissants, scones, quiche, everything top notch. Although very sadly I went on a sunday just before one o clock and there was only one lonely blueberry muffin which I gave a good home, but I had the strongest craving for a ham and gruyere croissant or something delicious and savory. There is always next time.
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re: shesallthat
HillJ
Jan 2, 2008 04:00 PM
145 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Left side of the street, a wee bit of parking is avail front of bldg.
Go early in the day if at all possible.
During the holidays we enjoyed the mini carrot cakes, the macaroni & cheese bake, the raspberry linzer tarts and the key lime tart.
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re: jsfein
It is the Flaky Tart. And if anyone is considering going any time soon, I think they have summer hours and are closed on Monday and Tuesdays. Don't make the drive and be dissapointed if they are not there. Call ahead to check the hours. 732 291 2555
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Flaky Tart
145 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
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val ann c
Sep 22, 2007 11:45 AM
Stopped at Flakey Tart for lunch. They were out of the ham & cheese croissant. Apparantly you have to arrive at dawn for the ham & cheese croissant. (I fully intend to go there at dawn.)
We got a baguette sandwich of thin-sliced london broil, slivers of cheese, greens, and a lemony dressing. It was a beautifully balanced sandwich, great quality. The beef was very rare, which delighted my husband. (The baguette is one of the few items they do not bake themselves.)We sat at the nice counter seating. Unlike the previous bakery, this new place is a cafe. I was impressed to see French salt and pepper grinders on the counter. As we ate, they kept bringing out more and more fresh baked goods. A creme-fraiche bundt coffee-cake, peanut butter sandwich cookies. So hard to decide what to buy... I got a chocolate walnut brownie. I am a brownie-snob. This brownie was the best I'd ever tasted. What a treat!
Her prices are extremely reasonable. A bag of 10 large thin chocolate chip cookies is only $6. Attractively packaged in a cello bag and tied with a satin ribbon.
This is a very special place and I'm torn between wanting to keep it a secret and wanting her to have lots of business... so she stays in business.
Hours:
Tues-Fri 6:30a-6p
Sat 8-5
Sun 8-2›3 Replies-
re: val ann c
HillJ
Sep 22, 2007 01:06 PM
val ann, I've been four x's already...and keep telling my friends about this gem. Everything is delicious and because I went absolutely overboard the other day I'm also freezing a number of goodies for company. The muffins are still my fav but my dh would say the croissants rule!
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i must concur....... had the plesure of sharing with a fellow chef yesterday, pan chocolate. simply AMAZING ! the pastry was incredibly flakey and good quality chocolate. i am told the chef makes it herself. wow !!! also had a pecan something...amazing as well. kudos to the chef who takes the time to do things right
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val ann c
Sep 13, 2007 05:37 AM
Location: 145 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Just a few doors down from the old Indigo Moon location.
Flakey doesn't seem to have a phone listing yet.›3 Replies -
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