GETTING CHEEKY

Melanie Schrimpe
– an alumna of Baked in Red Hook, and the now-infamous cupcake
source, the Magnolia Bakery in Manhattan – has opened her own
bakery in Williamsburg.



Schrimpe named her carbohydrate boutique "Cheeks,"
a nickname she acquired in childhood. The entreprenuer wanted
a spot near her Williamsburg home that would complement the homestyle
baking she favors. In February, Schrimpe opened her bakeshop
in pre-1900 digs, selected for its original bay window and tin
ceiling. The small space, edged in bead-board and sporting brick
walls, makes an appropriate backdrop for her mostly organic chocolate
layer cakes, crisp cookies, fresh pies and cupcakes.



Her neighbors stop in for freshly brewed coffee and tea and treats
like her scones, which are "light and moist," says
Schrimpe. The walnut with cheddar cheese and apple is a perennial
favorite, or patrons can opt for seasonal flavors such as raspberry.




If you’re in the mood for pie, stop in for a slice of chocolate-pecan,
apricot-blueberry, or sweet cherry.



Cheeks Bakery (378 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg)
accepts cash only. Cookies, scones and cupcakes: $1 to $3; cake
by the slice: $3.50 to $4.50; whole pies and cakes are $20-$42.
The bakery is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm;
Saturdays, from 10 am to 8 pm; and Sundays, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Closed Mondays. For more information, call (718) 599-3583.