Sri Lankan Plates With a Sweet Staten Island Finish
Pair Italian pastries and espresso with a savory meal and a visit to plan a celebration cake. Allow for a brief bakery pause when seats are occupied, and bring ideas for fillings and designs.
Meal and Bakery Stops
Before the Pastry Shops
AA Lankan's Cafe serves Sri Lankan meals at 98 Victory Blvd in Staten Island. The family-run kitchen is known for generous portions. Choose egg roti or chicken in black bean sauce for the savory start to this route. Diners select from five levels of heat. Three serving sizes offer a separate way to adjust an order. Coconut custard cake adds a sweet finish to the meal. The cafe is closed on Wednesday.
Italian Coffee Break
Indoor seats are usually taken at Rispoli 2 Pastry Shop & Cafe. There is no outdoor seating. Plan this stop for Monday through Saturday. Saturday hours run from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The bakery is at 29 Hyatt Street in St. George, just up from Empire Outlets. Order an espresso with a turnover or raspberry-jam rainbow cookies for a sweet follow-up to the Sri Lankan meal.
Celebration Planning
Custom cakes at Charmaine's Cake Boutique come with a choice of two fillings. Pair pineapple with cream cheese between the layers. Designs range from classic buttercream to naked birthday cakes. The cakes have soft, moist layers. Saturday hours end at 2:00 PM. Visits are limited to Tuesday through Saturday. Find it at 197 West Buchanan Street. Place an order at the boutique or start the request through Instagram.
