Fine 'old-fashioned' baking, every day

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Mario’s Bakery
409 Merrick Road,Oceanside
(516) 766-0891, www.mariosbakery.org

Family recipes that inspire the wonderful breads and confections at Mario’s Bakery have been passed on from generation to generation for over a century. Last year, the owners of 36 years sold the business to Louis Matarazzo, who continues to use those much-loved recipes. While the bakery industry is new to Matarazzo, he is no stranger to culinary expertise. Not only does he bake and create, but as a long-time restaurateur, he also an owner at Reel in East Rockaway, and International Café in Rockville Centre.

Ovens run at least 17 hours a day, every day, since everything is prepared on premises. Freshly baked breads are made the old fashioned way - by hand, with love, using natural ingredients. The assortment of confections is endless: cakes, pies, cake pops, cookies, turnovers, brownies, cupcakes and pastries, to name a few.

Matarazzo takes a hands-on approach, getting involved in every aspect, from baking, to cake tastings, to deliveries. He comes in seven days a week, getting true pleasure from seeing happy people. “I’m working harder than ever now, but I love it,” he says.

His venture is both challenging and fun. Mario’s recently did the cake for Kevin Jonas’ daughter, Alena, for her first birthday celebration at The Venetian in New Jersey. The bakery donates bread to local shelters. Matarazzo gets involved with special needs youths from South Side High School, teaching some to bake, and having some work at International Café. And, he participates in fundraisers whenever the opportunity arises.

Creativity abound, cake consultants will work with customers to turn any idea into a customized cake with the most intricate detail, while keeping budgets in perspective. They specialize in sculpted fondant and cream cakes, and have recently added ice cream versions. Whether it’s a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, baby gender reveal celebration, religious occasion, Sweet Sixteen, graduation, children’s party or other event, a vision can be sweetly transformed. Themes like sports, cartoon characters, games, vocations and hobbies can be turned into amazing cakes. Custom cakes are personally delivered by the owner. Photos of the many colorful masterpieces can be found on Mario’s web site.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 364 days a year. They are only closed on Christmas. On certain holidays, they open at 5 a.m.