QUEENS — A new bakery, slated to open on Austin Street this weekend, hopes to attract Forest Hills residents with its Asian buns, egg tarts and milk bread, all made on the premises, the owner said.
Violet’s Bake Shoppe, at 72-36 Austin St., will replace Happy Fresh Tortillas Grill, which closed last year.
The owner, Chris Tang, 37, said that his goal is to "distinguish [his store] from other bakeries in the neighborhood," like La Boulangerie or La Dolce Italia, by offering a variety of Asian flavors.
Tang, who lives in the neighborhood and studied baking at the International Culinary Center, said that the shop will sell Asian buns featuring an assortment of fillings, from roast pork to pineapple and custard. Buns will cost between $1.50 and $3 each, he said.
Patrons will also be able to get milk bread, various sponge cakes, puddings, mousses, as well as egg tarts in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, coffee and green tea, Tang said.
Among the offerings locals will also find several kinds of “Western” pastries, like chocolate mousse cake, he said.
Customers who like to sip coffee with their treats will be able to do so, as the shop provides the counter seating, as well as a handful of tables.
In the future, Tang said he is also planning to serve Vietnamese sandwiches.
Violet’s Bake Shoppe will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.