Stockbridge's Gourmet Bakery & Cafe Offers Full Summer Menu

Stepping into  on Howe Avenue takes patrons away from the hustle and bustle of Shelton and into a calm European setting, according to co-owner, Lisa Stockbridge. Stockbridge’s, which originally started off in Derby, CT, moved to Shelton four years ago.

“We’ve been in business for eleven years and we’ve been rated the best cheesecake in Connecticut eight years in a row,” Stockbridge stated.

Stockbridge has her husband Brian, a chef of thirty years, to thank for their renowned success.

“[Brian] always liked making cheesecakes,” she said. “It’s my husband’s recipe that we are known for.”

Among the variety of cheesecakes that the Stockbridges offer, their original New York style cake is their most popular, according to Stockbridge and her customers.

“It’s the best cheesecake in Connecticut,” customer, Ann McCarthy said. “We drive from Newtown to come here. We just had a graduation that we ordered a cake for and we are here today to order one for a birthday. The original style cheesecake is worth the wait,” McCarthy stated.

Her daughter, Shannon McCarthy, has visited the shop with her mother several times and has had the opportunity to try a few of the cheesecakes. Like mother, like daughter, the favorite remains in the original New York style recipe.

“The Cheescake is amazing,” she said. “I’ve had two flavors that were really, really good, but the original cheesecake is my favorite.”

Other flavors that are offered include: amaretto, coconut, cherry chocolate chip and white raspberry. For patrons on the go, they can cure their sweet tooth with the popular cowboy cookie. The oatmeal raison cookie is mixed with coconut, chocolate chips and pecans. For those who have gone gluten free, the Stockbridges are happy to serve your needs while baking their goodies.

The Stockbridges, ever evolving, just added a cheesecake cookie to their menu and plan to introduce a cheesecake pancake to their patrons next week. They would like the public to know that Stockbridges is more than a bakery with sweet treats.

“People think we are all cheesecakes and baked good,” Stockbridge said. “We do coffees, espressos, cappuccinos and smoothies. We also have a full menu.”

Patrons can wander into the homey atmosphere and expect to enjoy a well-priced, filling meal. Chicken wraps, vegetarian grilled lental burgers, western omlettes and philly cheesesteaks.

Linda Larue, an employee at Stockbridge’s has seen the atmosphere and tasty food take effect on here customers.

“We have people come in here and just sit for hours and talk,” she said. “We had three customers come in this morning at 9am. It is noon now and they are still here talking and enjoying the atmosphere.”

One thing that makes the atmosphere extra comfortable and particularly unique is the encouragement for customers to bring their own beer into the café, according to Stockbridge. Customers also have the opportunity to enjoy the food, desserts and drinks at their own homes or businesses.

“We do catering out of the Shelton location,” Stockbridge stated. “We do wedding cakes and we go to special events. I can do private parties on Sundays from 3-7pm.”

The owners are more than happy to open their business in Sundays for private parties and/or events.

“I love all of the people in Shelton,” Stickbridge stated. “I love all of our customers. I think our business helps Shelton too; we give Howe Avenue a little pizazz."

The couple just opened a second location in Woodbridge on March 15, called Stockbridge’s New England Bistro & Bakery. They encourage their Shelton patrons to check out their new site for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

“Woodbridge is more of a restaurant,” Stockbridge said. “We have a bar over there and we can seat fifty. People can come in and try our cheesecake martini or our weekend breakfast specials.”

The Stockbridges will be having their grand opening of Stockbridge’s New England Bistro & Bakery on July 30, National Cheesecake Day.

“We will have samples, specials and kids’ events,” she stated.

With summertime being slow, Stockbridge encourages customers to come in and try their treats, sit down and relax for a little while and step away from the chaos of Shelton.