New Treats at Park & Seventh

Despite the admonition never to smile at a crocodile, this writer couldn’t help laughing at the sight of this cocodrilo made of pastry with sharp sugar icing teeth.

The wily beast and a companion snake were signs of new ownership at the former doughnut and ice cream shop near Park & Seventh. In the same case by the window was a magnificent Tres Leches cake studded with cherries. Another case held an assortment of croissants and assorted Spanish pastries.

Ice cream and doughnuts are still on the menu for the less adventurous, but owner Arturo Marroquin is determined to awaken the palates of Plainfield’s diverse population with his new offerings.


Marroquin said the novelty snake and crocodile cakes can be filled with jelly, cream or fruit for an added treat.

He is calling his business Breadbasket Bakery and said he will be creating and selling “all kinds of cake.”

For those not familiar with the Tres Leches or Three-Milk cake, it is made with evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk. It is sweet, moist and popular throughout Central America, according to this recipe.

Marroquin, who is from Guatemala, said family tradition led to his career.

“My daddy was a baker,” he said.


Pointing to a loaf of bread with a funny little face, he said sometimes a baked creation may be kept as an artifact. He said special cakes may be varnished “to keep forever.”

“I have one from 12 years ago,” he said.

As this writer marveled over the array of enticing baked goods, Marroquin said, “We like a lot of sweet things.”



According to a signboard outside, the bakery will also offer beverages and snacks with a Latino flair.


Stop in and welcome a new entrepreneur to Park & Seventh!

--Bernice Paglia