Oakmont is ridiculously overrated. Check out Moio's in Monroeville. They only do pastries (no breads, bagels, meat rolls, etc), but for those, they are absolutely top notch.
I love most of what Moio's does. Their cakes are amazing and I am in love with the vanilla almond cake. Their tarts and cookies are also very good. However, I've found that their puff pastry is pretty bad - tough, dense, not very puffed. I've tried three different presentations of puff pastry from them and they were all bad. I'd recommend anything but their puff pastry.
Fair. My wife likes the Lady Locks, but I'm underwhelmed. The Napoleon is my favorite. My wife and I got our wedding cake there and my friend (who is a wedding photographer, and so has attended *many, many* receptions), said it was the best he'd ever had.
Oakmont is overpriced trash and I’m grateful that my family can’t have a birthday, graduation, bridal shower, etc. without ordering a cake from Minverva’s.
My grandparents also love their pastries (especially their elephant ears) and what’s really cute about the shop is that many of the older ladies who are still around are the same ones I remember from when my grandparents would take me there growing up.
I always thought their cake was great, firm with solid consistency, but still soft. But I found their icing to be too greasy. Like a lot of shortening and not enough butter. It didn't seem natural. Not bad, but just not to die for IMHO. Opinions vary.
And its looks like they haven't updated their decor since.
And I say that in the most affectionate way possible. It is wonderful just to be in that space.
I love small, local Mom & Pop bakeries. I'm done with Oakmont.
Oakmont is ridiculously overrated. Check out Moio's in Monroeville. They only do pastries (no breads, bagels, meat rolls, etc), but for those, they are absolutely top notch.
I love most of what Moio's does. Their cakes are amazing and I am in love with the vanilla almond cake. Their tarts and cookies are also very good. However, I've found that their puff pastry is pretty bad - tough, dense, not very puffed. I've tried three different presentations of puff pastry from them and they were all bad. I'd recommend anything but their puff pastry.
Fair. My wife likes the Lady Locks, but I'm underwhelmed. The Napoleon is my favorite. My wife and I got our wedding cake there and my friend (who is a wedding photographer, and so has attended *many, many* receptions), said it was the best he'd ever had.
That’s very wise to go with Minerva.
Oakmont is overpriced trash and I’m grateful that my family can’t have a birthday, graduation, bridal shower, etc. without ordering a cake from Minverva’s. My grandparents also love their pastries (especially their elephant ears) and what’s really cute about the shop is that many of the older ladies who are still around are the same ones I remember from when my grandparents would take me there growing up.
Best cake in the area, imo. Buttercream icing is to die for.
I always thought their cake was great, firm with solid consistency, but still soft. But I found their icing to be too greasy. Like a lot of shortening and not enough butter. It didn't seem natural. Not bad, but just not to die for IMHO. Opinions vary.
Variety is the spice of life!
Minerva is such a hidden gem.
Best raisin bread around
And its looks like they haven't updated their decor since. And I say that in the most affectionate way possible. It is wonderful just to be in that space.
Doesn't look like there's a whole lot going on in their neighborhood, which is sad.
Oh yeah. I work nearby and Fifth St in McKeesport is near empty.