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Try a Financier or Two!



I remember 2002 as a sad year, especially for Lower Manhattan. There were many streets that were still closed and as grateful as I was for the presence of the National Guard, it was disconcerting to see soldiers with weapons as I entered and left my work building. As long time readers know I worked six blocks south of the World Trade Center site. We were back in the office ten days after September 11, but it seemed nothing would ever be right again, especially on the streets of Lower Manhattan.


Stone Street -- Financier is on the left side of the street, just outside the photo. 

It took tremendous vision to open a patisserie on those sad streets. But in 2002, Financier opened. It was a small place on a cobblestone street, Stone Street,
that then had several restaurants. Now there are a dozen restaurants and it is one of the liveliest streets in Manhattan. But not in 2002. I sometimes ate in one of the restaurants on the block or stopped for a drink with friends after work and there were nights we were the only people there.

Financier is in the financial district, and it also takes its name from the French almond pastry, also called a Financier. It has remarkable pastries and delicious coffee. There are now a number of branches throughout the city and I generally frequent the one in Grand Central Station, where these pictures were taken.


Whether you choose a simple danish...

 ...or one of the rich and extraordinary gateaux, it is a treat.

There are any number of fabulous shops with baked goods in New York City and we will visit several more before the end of Buttercup's Culinary Tour. But Financier holds a very special place in my affections.  

Tomorrow we return to the Upper West Side for a very different cuisine, but one I think you will equally enjoy. Dear visitors to New York, it's going to be difficult to choose the places we will indulge, but won't it be fun!

Yesterday I had an wonderful treat and saw a stage production of "I Remember Mama."  Wonderful staging in a church gym and a fabulous cast, including Barbara Barrie. There were ten actresses who were at least sixty years old playing all of the parts. If you remember the movie or television show, "Mama" with Peggy Wood, this is the play that they were based on. It could have been overly sentimental, but instead it was touching and lovely. New Yorkers, it's a limited run and so worth seeing. 

  There were eight -- or so -- dining room tables and the action of the play took place at different tables. The audience sat on the sidelines of the gym. Very different than the usual play, but very engaging. 

I hope you enjoyed our delicious visit to Financier as part of our Blogging from A to Z Challenge. I know I did. Thanks for visiting and please don't be shy about letting me know you were here. I love to hear from visitors. Take good care and have a beautiful April day. 

20 comments

Nellie said...

Oh, my! I could get into serious trouble with Financier! Love to go sometime, though!

You have wonderful opportunities for seeing wonderful stage productions.

I'm enjoying my New York tour. Thank you!

Theresa said...

I DID enjoy my visit and I have to admit, my taste buds are hungry for something sweet:) Enjoy your evening dear friend, love that photo of the cobblestone street! HUGS!

Melinda said...

I need to remember to read your post
AFTER dinner. Now I am really hungry!

Looks yummy!

M : )

Melinda said...

I need to remember to read your post
AFTER dinner. Now I am really hungry!

Looks yummy!

M : )

Grammy Staffy said...

I visited the ruins of the trade center in 2002. It made me cry. I did not know anyone who was lost there but I was overcome by the feeling of grief that filled the streets. I wish I had known you were just down the street and we could have had a pastry together. (By the way.... I am gaining weight just reading your A to Z posts!)
Hugs, Lura

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Now, when I read about a financier (the person), I shall think whether he or she is like an almond pastry. :-) That would be fun to see that performance of I Remember Mama. I have seen the movie with Greer Garson and was very moved with the tale.

The View from the Top of the Ladder

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I enjoyed learning about the history of this restaurant, and I'm so glad it's doing well now. Those sweets look sooooo good!

peggy said...

That must have been an interesting play and I do remember Barbara Barrie. Thanks for sharing your city with us.

Mevely317 said...

Silly me, presuming your 'F' would stand for 'fudge.' Apologies for not crediting your ingenuity!

I'm (still) so taken with this image of Stone Street - tho' I can well imagine it feeling bereft in the wake of 9/11. So glad to hear it's enjoying renewed popularity.

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hi, yes it was very sad when the whole tragedy happened with the World Trade Center. It must have been terrible being there when that happened. I have never heard of that restaurant but the pastries look so good. Take care and thanks for the tour.
Julie at Julie's Lifestyle

Patty Sumner said...

So happy to hear that life is back into the area....and the desserts are just yummy looking at the featured restaurant. I can almost smell them... The play sounds like such fun.. you always have such wonderful adventures...thanks for sharing.. Blessings!

Annesphamily said...

Such lovely photo shares! Always fin to visit you and see your city through your eyes. Love those pastries. Enjoy the week! Hugs, Anne

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Oh my the picture of the danish just makes my mouth water. The do look so very good. I remember Mama was one of the first TV shows I remember watching. A classic for sure. Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

Little Wandering Wren said...

Well on Friday I will be able to try Financier myself as we are heading to your neck of the world, it looks a great place and I can't wait to be in NYC!
Wren x

Sola Scriptura said...

Financier looks like the perfect spot for a treat, coffee and chat with a friend.
It sounds like you had a great time seeing "I Remember Mama." You live such a busy and full NYC life!

TARYTERRE said...

The play sounds interesting. I had never heard of this kind of pastry. Sounds delicious. What a lovely place.

Dee said...

Dear Carol, you know I've never much wanted to visit New York City, except perhaps to see a play or two or a musical. I was there back in August 1957 just before my senior year of college. But I saw little because I was in meetings all day about student government. I did see Grand Central Station and the airport--not sure which one.

But your postings have whetted my appetite for adventure. And now I'd so love to visit New York City and see Central Park and other wonderful places and eat at someplace like Financier. Thank you for sharing your city with us. I've started to plan to visit! Peace.

Stephanie Faris said...

Those pastries look delicious. I don't know what a gateaux is, but yum! Plus, they're so PRETTY.

Unknown said...

Your picture of the empty street looks pretty daunting!

Terra said...

You sure find fun activities in NYC, from the Financier bakery and nibbling on treats there to that play of "I Remember Mama." I recall a tv show, and am sure I would like the play.