We're honored to be named a 2025 Food & Wine Global Tastemaker for bakeries in New York.
A Global Recognition for Local Excellence
Being selected as a Food & Wine Global Tastemaker places William Greenberg Desserts among an elite group of culinary destinations that are shaping the future of food. This honor recognizes not just our quality and craftsmanship, but our influence on New York's baking landscape and our role in preserving and evolving traditional techniques.
Food & Wine's Global Tastemaker awards celebrate establishments that demonstrate exceptional creativity, quality, and cultural impact. For a family bakery that began in 1946 to earn this recognition alongside cutting-edge culinary innovators speaks to the timeless appeal and enduring excellence of authentic, traditional baking.
From Neighborhood Institution to Global Recognition
When William Greenberg first opened our doors on Madison Avenue in 1946, he focused on serving the Upper East Side community with exceptional kosher baked goods. Nearly 80 years later, this Food & Wine recognition confirms that local excellence, when pursued with unwavering dedication, can achieve global acclaim.
Our journey from a single neighborhood bakery to a nationally recognized brand shipping coast-to-coast reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards while staying true to our authentic recipes and traditional techniques. This Global Tastemaker honor validates that approach and recognizes our influence on American baking culture.
What Makes a Global Tastemaker
Iconic Black & White Cookies Our signature black & white cookies have become synonymous with New York City itself. The perfect balance of our signature fondant frosting, cake-like texture, and subtle citrus notes has earned recognition from food critics nationwide and made these treats a cultural touchstone.
Authentic Jewish Baking Heritage Our traditional babka, challah, rugelach, and holiday specialties represent authentic Jewish baking techniques passed down through generations. Food & Wine's recognition acknowledges our role in preserving these important culinary traditions while making them accessible to contemporary audiences.
Quality Without Compromise Every item we create—from our famous black & whites to our premium brownies and seasonal specialties—reflects our founder's original commitment to using only the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques. This consistency has built the reputation that earned us this global recognition.
Cultural Impact Our baked goods have appeared on beloved TV shows like Seinfeld and Mad Men, been featured in countless publications, and become part of New York's cultural identity. Food & Wine recognizes establishments that transcend their category to become cultural institutions.
Innovation Within Tradition
While we honor traditional recipes and techniques, this Food & Wine recognition also acknowledges our ability to evolve thoughtfully. We've expanded our offerings to include seasonal flavors, custom celebrations, and nationwide shipping—all while maintaining the authentic character that defines our brand.
Our recent cookbook release, gluten-free options, and enhanced online presence demonstrate how traditional bakeries can embrace innovation without sacrificing their core identity. Food & Wine's Global Tastemaker award recognizes this balance between heritage and progress.
A Team Effort Decades in the Making
This Food & Wine honor belongs to everyone who has contributed to our success over nearly eight decades:
- Our founder William Greenberg, whose vision and dedication established our foundation
- Current owner Carol Becker, whose leadership has guided us into the modern era
- Our skilled bakers, who maintain the traditional techniques that make our products exceptional
- Our dedicated staff, who serve our community with pride and care
- Our loyal customers, whose support has sustained us through generations
What This Recognition Means for Our Community
Being named a Food & Wine Global Tastemaker elevates not just William Greenberg Desserts, but the entire Upper East Side and New York City baking community. This recognition:
- Validates traditional baking techniques in an era of constant culinary innovation
- Celebrates authentic Jewish food culture and its importance in American cuisine
- Recognizes neighborhood institutions that anchor communities across generations
- Highlights New York City's continued leadership in global food culture
The Future of a Global Tastemaker
This Food & Wine recognition is both a tremendous honor and a responsibility. As a Global Tastemaker, we're committed to:
Maintaining Excellence: Continuing to uphold the quality standards that earned this recognition
Cultural Preservation: Keeping traditional Jewish baking techniques alive for future generations
Community Service: Remaining deeply connected to our Upper East Side and Upper West Side communities
Innovation: Thoughtfully evolving while respecting our heritage
Mentorship: Supporting the next generation of bakers and food artisans
Experience Global Excellence Locally
Ready to taste what Food & Wine recognizes as Global Tastemaker quality? Visit us at our New York locations or order nationwide shipping:
Upper East Side Flagship
1100 Madison Avenue (between 82nd & 83rd Streets)
Where our Global Tastemaker story began
Upper West Side Location
285 Amsterdam Avenue (between 73rd & 74th Streets)
Bringing award-winning baking across the park
Nationwide Shipping
Experience our Food & Wine-recognized excellence anywhere in America
A Sweet Milestone in Our Journey
This 2025 Food & Wine Global Tastemaker recognition represents a pinnacle moment in our nearly 80-year history. From serving neighborhood families to earning global acclaim, our journey demonstrates that authentic excellence, pursued consistently over decades, will ultimately be recognized and celebrated.
Thank you to Food & Wine for this incredible honor, and thank you to our customers, staff, and community for making this recognition possible. As we continue our mission of creating exceptional baked goods with traditional techniques and modern innovation, we're proud to carry the Global Tastemaker designation forward.
When you choose William Greenberg Desserts, you're not just getting baked goods—you're experiencing the work of a Food & Wine Global Tastemaker, where every cookie, cake, and pastry reflects nearly eight decades of dedication to culinary excellence.
William Greenberg Desserts, named a 2025 Food & Wine Global Tastemaker for bakeries in New York, has been serving exceptional kosher baked goods since 1946. Visit our Upper East Side and Upper West Side locations or order online for nationwide delivery.
