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    Home » US Travel » Boston » North End

    Modern Pastry

    Published: Jan 11, 2010 · Modified: Mar 9, 2015 by Jennifer Che

    _MG_2458
    It's the age old question: "who makes the best cannolis in the North End?"  For some reason, if you ask the question, you are bound to get strong opinions going both ways.

    A couple months ago ago, I visited Mike's Pastry in the North End and enjoyed a taste of their delicious cannolis.  Soon after I wrote the post, I started receiving various comments that ranged all over the map.  Many loved it.  Some thought it was a tourist trap, and several thought that Modern was better.
    _MG_2460
    On a quiet Monday evening, we sauntered into a Modern Pastry that was almost empty.  Unlike the weekends, where the line goes out the door, this dark, rainy Monday evening was relatively calm.  Apparently we had just missed Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who had visited Modern the Saturday before.
    _MG_2461
    According to fans of Modern Pastry, Modern's big selling point is that they make the cannolis fresh on the spot.  In other words, the shells are not pre-filled, unlike those at Mike's, and therefore the cannolis are arguably less soggy.  Also, at Modern, the cannolis come in two different sizes.  You can get a mini cannoli or a larger one.  Neither one is as large as the one from Mike's.

    _MG_2463
    Two differently sized cannolis from Modern Pastry
     

    So what's the best way to test them?  We purchased a cannoli at Mike's, and then walked down the street to Modern and bought a mini cannoli and also a normal sized one.  Monday night is a good night to do an experiment like this because you don't have to wait in line at either establishment to get the cannolis, thus both are pretty fresh!

    Cannolis
    The one super large cannoli from Mike's Pastry
     

    The verdict? I think what people say is generally true.  The Mike's shell is just naturally harder and crispier - more cookie-like.  The modern shell is delicate, more refined, more pastry-like.  It's by no means soft, but definitely more delicate.  The cream inside the Mike's cannoli is sweeter, although neither struck me as being too sweet or not sweet enough.

    In the end, I think it's a matter of personal preference.  I don't think the Mike's cannoli tastes at all soggy.  I think the stronger, more durable shell withstands moisture pretty well, and I found that the Mike's cannolis actually last longer than the Modern cannolis, which get soggy pretty fast (definitely within 24 hours) since the shell is more delicate.

    Bryan and I both preferred the Mike's cannoli a bit, although I appreciate the fact that Modern has two sizes from which to choose.

    Like I mentioned last time, you can't go wrong going to either one.  In fact, you really can't go wrong just by visiting the North End while you are in Boston.  It's such a vibrant neighborhood, the food is fantastic, and the cannolis are unbeatable.

    Modern Pastry
    The North End
    257 Hanover St
    Boston, MA 02113
    Modern Pastry on Urbanspoon

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    Jennifer Che Tiny Urban Kitchen

    Hi, my name's Jen and welcome to my cooking, eating, and travel site! I am an expat who moved from Boston to Hong Kong 5 years ago. Born and raised in Ohio to Taiwanese immigrant parents, I am a chemistry nerd, patent attorney by day, blogger by night, church musician on weekends, and food enthusiast always. Feel free to explore away, maybe starting with the Recipe Index or one of the travel pages! I hope you enjoy this site!

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