Minh Quyen Ngo: “A Barcelona-inspired cupcake? I would top it with Catalan cream”
Sweet, appetizing, addictive, and full of glamour. That's how the cupcakes served at Magnolia Bakery in the Hotel 1898, within the Seagram’s New York Hotel, a collection of New York experiences that we can enjoy at the only colonial hotel in Barcelona until the next July 14th. Yes, this experience is coming to an end, and that's the only negative fact we're going to share. From now on, it's all good news.
The best part is that you don't need to make a reservation. You can approach the hotel any day, from Monday to Sunday, at any time between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. and you can enjoy these tempting treats at ease at a small table while you delight in the decor and ambiance they have created from the popular New York bakery in the hotel lobby. Before eating, as dessert, for a snack... And if you're in a hurry, you can order takeaway and take it home, to the office, or to the beach.
Entering Magnolia Bakery is to immerse oneself in the glamour of New York. It's an experience that deserves to be lived. Because there are many cupcakes in Barcelona, but none like these small and charming sweets that have conquered television through shows like Sex and the City. Feeling like Carrie Bradshaw, or even trying her favorite dessert, the Carrie cake, with vanilla and pink custard. An experience that could only be improved by wearing the exclusive Manolo Blahnik shoes with which Carrie said “I do” in the movie made from the popular American series.
We have discussed that inevitable union between the series and Magnolia Bakery with the Franchise Training Director, Minh Quyen Ngo, who has also helped us understand the global dimension that what began as a small neighborhood bakery has achieved.
How could a small West Village shop grow and become such a global brand?
Magnolia Bakery is known for its classic American baked goods. It's also important to consider the boost that the Sex and the City series gave to launch the brand. Thanks to that, in 2006 the original West Village store in New York was sold to the Abrams family who then began an expansion worldwide.
And how many stores are there in the United States?
Currently, the corporate-owned stores are located in Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, as well as New York. Then there are the franchises or Pop Up Stores that open outside of the United States.
And that's where you come in as the Director of Franchise Training, right?
Exactly. I am in charge of opening and overseeing the Pop Up stores that are launched internationally, like this one in Barcelona at the Hotel 1898.
Are all the stores in takeaway format?
Although the service is mostly fast, almost all Pop Up Stores are more like restaurants. They want people to sit down and dine, and the customers want that too. In contrast, in New York everything is very fast. There's no time. It's mostly about grabbing your order and leaving.
What is the secret of Magnolia's Bakery products?
Bake it as if we were doing it at home. In small batches, by hand, and using the best ingredients. We cook this way to ensure that customers get the freshest products possible.
Why is it such a recurring scenario in TV shows and movies in recent years?
The origin lies in Sex and the City, which put Magnolia Bakery on the world map when it was filmed there in the year 2000. After appearing in an episode of the show, Magnolia Bakery became famous. Following that, other television shows and movies like The Devil Wears Prada started to feature it.
And which was the cupcake that made you famous?
The vanilla one, topped with pink vanilla cream frosting and a sugar daisy decoration on top. That was the one Carrie Bradshaw was eating in the episode.
So is it the most requested product in New York?
No, the best seller right now is the banana pudding. In fact, it's so popular that we've come up with twelve different flavors. One for each month, and we switch them according to the season.
And here in Barcelona, what is the most requested product?
In Barcelona and anywhere else. The banana pudding as well. No matter where we go. The classic is always the best
Curious. What do you think is the reason?
To the simplicity of its taste. You can go crazy with the different ingredients and varieties, but in the end, the classic has a universal flavor that everyone loves.
Is this type of Pop-up Store or Bar capable of being set up in any kind of space?
Generally yes, although an environment like that of Hotel 1898 is simply spectacular. Otherwise, we always adapt the menu to the available space. Thus, the larger it is, the more best sellers we can include in the offer, such as the lemon one or the double dulce de leche. And if we want to include menus with cheesecakes or by portions, we need a larger space.
If you could create a cupcake inspired by Barcelona, what would its ingredients be?
Well, I've heard that Catalan cream is very popular here, so I would probably do something similar to that. Or maybe put meringue on top but with a touch of Magnolia.
Everything sounds delicious!
So go ahead and try our recipes. We're closing the Pop Up Store on July 14th. So come visit us before it's over!