Thursday, January 2, 2014

Lark Bake Shoppe and Cafe

Style: Bake Shoppe
My Rating: 5/5 Stars

WebsiteLark's Facebook Page

Likes: Oh so tasty food, close proximity, friendly, welcoming environment, local business

Dislikes: Their tasty food is fattening, as it should be

When my husband and I moved to Mechanicsville, the search was on to find new places to eat out. It is one of our hobbies, just in case it was not already apparent. With our alternating schedules due to Brad’s job, we needed to find places to have breakfast when he got home from work. Therefore, every time we ran an errand, our eyes were on the lookout for grub.

One morning we went to drop his uniforms off at the cleaners. Pulling out of the shopping center, Brad noticed a sign on the edge of one of the buildings. It said, “Lark Bake Shoppe and Café.” Anytime something alludes to cake, frosting, or coffee, my husband is fully attentive.

We like to “google” places before we try them. This is a learned response from many different tourist trap places we ate at while living in Williamsburg. We discovered Lark’s Facebook Page, and found that it is updated pretty much on a daily basis. They advertise what they have, what flavors they have, their hours, and special events. The community had rave reviews. Our simple conclusion was that we had to go.


When walking into Lark, I get so excited because the atmosphere in here screams happy. I never want to leave. They have pretty colored walls, tasty pastries in the bakery case to look at, and super cheerful music that I undoubtedly sing along to every time to Brad’s dismay. They have chalkboard tables with chalk next to them so there is entertainment. Plus, the owners, bakers, and service staff are the sweetest and kindest people. They take a moment and ask how you are and recognize faces. It is local business at its best. 



We come here at least three times a month now, usually on a Saturday when they have Cinnamon Rolls because they are Brad’s favorite. We usually get a pastry each, and occasionally go back for one more… or two. They serve Carytown Coffee to go with their excellent pastries. I love that they support other local businesses. Plus, the coffee is outstanding.

The bottom line about Lark, is that the baked goods are awesome. It is often difficult to decide to try something new because I instantly make new favorites frequently. My particular favorite right now is the lemon loaf, which is a lemon poke pound cake with a sugary lemon glaze. It is dense and full of lemon flavor, with just enough sweetness to keep my cheeks from puckering.

My husband loves their cinnamon rolls. They are soft and gooey, coated with a thick slab of icing that they heat right there upon demand. Sometimes, they even give him an extra slather. The picture below is the cinnamon roll, but I couldn’t take the picture quick enough before my husband devoured the first half.


I also love scones because they go so well with coffee. Many scones fall short because they opt for too much density and become dry. In reverse, they go to moist and become more like cake. Lark’s scones are the perfect dense texture without losing moisture. They have a slightly harder top that has been glazed with different flavors depending on the order. I love the cinnamon chip scone, the lemon blueberry scone, and the pumpkin scone, which is pictured below.



Some of the other tasty treats we have enjoyed here are the cherry turnover and the nutella croissant. Both a pictured below. It is fun to come with someone, that way you can try a bite of theirs!


Lark also offers services, such as cake and cupcake orders. Once we ate a turtle cupcake with a dulce de leche filling that was Out. Of. This. World. I look forward to having something to celebrate so we can place a bigger order one day.

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