While we are not foodbloggers here at the Experts Agree, we do like to share magical things when we find them. Such is the case with the recently opened Sandbox Bakery on Cortland. On a relatively unassuming block, past the bustle of Cortland proper and on the edge of where the neighborhood slides downhill to Bayshore, sits what may be my new favorite bakery in town. Sorry Tartine, sorry Cottage Bakery.

The owner is Japanese, and the bakery is done in the Japanese way, which is to say, sort of perfectly. The scones and muffins are adorably diminutive: the sort of size you’d criticize them for were it not that they are super yummy and also not-overpriced. There’s a selection of the usual favorites: fruit and nut scones; almond, chocolate and plain croissants; morning rolls; challah; etc. Then some plainly Japanese items: melon pan, curry [beef] pan. In the name of science, I am eating my way through the options, and I have yet to get to these last.

They also make, on occasion and in small batches, sandwiches. There’s a pink lady apple and gruyere on fresh multigrain roll I’ve had several times (to obtain a scientifically viable sample set!) and then earlier this week they had “burgers” of sushi rice buns and marinated tofu inside: delicious, filling and maybe $4.50?

Their coffee: Ritual Roasters or De la Paz, brewed individually. Their staff, hip and sweet and serene. From the fixtures to the details, everything is just so.

All images are from the Sandbox bakery site except the last shot which was done using Hipstamatic.