I've lived in Seattle 22 years, and during those moments when I just had to have a treat, this is where I have gone. I've tried Krispy Kreme donuts, and I'm not saying they aren't good. But for variety, for authenticity, for delicious, fresh pastry from one of this city's first businesses (I've read the roof is actually worth more than the business, because handmade clay tile roofs have become so rare!)...for these and a million other reasons, I come to Borracchini's.
If you are ordering a cake, the cake will be done (as in, baked) when it should be, but they will take a few minutes to frost and decorate it once you get there, so set your time about 15 minutes before you really do need to dash out of there. They have an infinite variety of cake fillings and decorations (and as to the marble cake basher: I ordered a marble cake for my students for Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday, and boy was it ever great!). I have never requested butter creme frosting because I love their original recipe, and I have yet to see any student, teacher, or guest in my home scrape the frosting off to the side.
I think the reason the frost it aftr you get there is partly because some like to watch the process, but also because....what do you do with ""happy 28th birthday Mikey"" when no one shows to pick it up? It's a business that does not have a huge profit margin. They need to know you are buying it, before they personalize it. This is just a theory; neither Mr. nor Mrs. has ever said it to me, nor have I asked. But it seems like a good guess.
Okay. Let's talk about service. They went through a period--maybe it was when they were opening the W. Seattle store?--when there was heavy turnover. None of their employees seemed to know anything. I put up with the dreadful service (2009? I am guessing; it's been awhile!) because the food was still so good.
Yes, there were some snarky clerks. They're gone now; it's safe to go back in the water! In fact, I am a disabled customer--I walk with a cane--and unless they are swamped, someone will walk my cake or big boxes of donuts to my car for me. How sweet is that?
For the best treats in town, plus a piece of Seattle history, come to Borracchini's!
more