Bliss Bakehouse Arrives in Irvington with Sweet (and Savory) Treats
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By Shana Liebman–
Although Irvington already has its fair share of coffee shops, Bliss Bakehouse is a joyful addition to Main Street. The small, pastry-filled shop is the passion project of married couple Alison Stinson and Jason Breen, who spent the last 10 years bringing their vision to sweet fruition.
“This has been a dream of mine for a very long time,” says Alison, an artist who grew up in Hastings. After graduating from the French Culinary Institute, she worked in bakeries and restaurants in Manhattan and Long Island. For the last few years, she ran her own local cake design/catering business.
Before opening Bliss, Alison and Jason “walked the streets of Irvington, chatting with neighbors and businesses,” in order to figure out what the community needed. Bliss Bakehouse, which opened in May, is named for the feeling they hoped it would evoke. “We wanted an overall tangible feeling of comfort and warmth in our cafe,” Alison says.
Indeed, the compact, modern-artisanal storefront, with wood shelving, vintage-style pendant lights, and glass cases filled with colorful pastries, exudes cheerful, neighborhood charm.
Bliss is a small-batch bakery, which means “everything is baked fresh and with intention,” Alison explains. This includes their exquisite, creative baked goods like an Oreo-stuffed chocolate chip cookie, caramel apple pie bar, s’more bar, vanilla brookie pudding, chocolate fudge donut cake, lemon raspberry bars, chocolate salted caramel bars, assorted macarons, gorgeous cookies (including a kick-ass vegan chocolate chip cookie), and morning glory muffins.
Savory treats include a spinach-and-feta croissant, a ham-and-cheese croissant, bagels (including GF), and homemade empanadas with homemade hot sauce. Brunch, served all day Saturday and Sunday, features egg and cheese wraps with or without bacon, a savory “croffle” (a croissant waffle) with mashed seasoned avocado and garlic aioli, homemade granola, a gluten-free breakfast pizza, and a special kids’ menu served with crayons and an activity book.
“We have tons of substitute options like vegan yogurts, vegan cream cheese, and vegan whipped cream as well as gluten-free crusts, cookies, bagels, etc.,” Alison says. “We also feature a tower of treats for brunch, which includes mini croissants with homemade jams, mini macarons, mini quiche, and your selection of coffee, tea, or juice.”
The couple spent countless hours designing the large, family-friendly patio in the back of the store—with shady tables, kids’ toys, books, games, and a baby-changing table that is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. On Sundays, a live band plays classic mellow tunes on the patio.
The official ribbon-cutting celebration on June 12, which is open to the public, will include samples of empanadas, chorizo, and gelato. The winner of Bliss’ cookie contest will be announced. “We will also be doing lots of fun giveaways, like a raffle for two $25 gift cards and a raffle ticket along with any purchase made that day,” Alison says.
In addition to an ever-expanding menu — think seasonal drinks like a maple waffle latte served with cinnamon whipped cream and a mini-Belgian waffle — Alison has started creating custom cakes and will make seasonal pies and a holiday Bouche de Noël for special order.
According to Alison and Jason, the reception so far has been “unbelievably warm. So much support and positive feedback!” Which was in fact the intended outcome. As Alison says, “We got into this business to spread a little happiness.”
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