CuRious Candy

Cynthia Rowley is my favorite designer and her boutique and clothing line are exceptional in that everything is colorful, fun and unique. Love the boutique and the vibe of the shop

As a childless male*, I felt really out of place here, but could still admire the curated selection of $ 14+/pound up a set of stairs past the fantasy-​like entrance. *Had heard about the unique items here in Inc. Magazine’s piece on them in July 2013. (Initially visited their Bleecker location armed with the NYMag writeup — «This upscale candy boutique courtesy of fashion designer Cynthia Rowley is as meticulously curated as sweet-​tooth mecca Dylan’s Candy Bar is sprawling. ­CuRious might even come across as uptight, if the clerks weren’t so welcoming: They understand that, between the steep prices and installation-​art décor, plenty of folks come just to gawk and pose for pictures. And gawking is half the fun. Rowley’s candy shop is nestled on the second floor of her flagship, tucked away at the end of a branch-​canopied courtyard. The entrance – festooned with twisted branches, giant metal roses, and foggy mirrors – hints at the shop’s Alice in Wonderland interior, where a stuffed white peacock perches on a dead tree by a cornucopia of custom-​made confections like edible chocolate teacups, cotton-​candy bouquets, and cans of cookies-​and-​cream caramel corn. The loose artisanal candy (sea-​salted dark-​chocolate caramels, vanilla clodhoppers, rainbow licorice laces) goes for $ 14 per pound, but there’s no self-​service, so eager kids can’t grab too much, too fast.»)

With an entrance that looks like the scary forest from Sleeping Beauty, how can you NOT want to check this place out?
After introducing my friends to the lifelong addiction known as Lady M’s crêpe cake, we noticed the dark, spiky vines of this shop on our way back and just had to find out what they could mean. Downstairs was a brightly lit clothing boutique filled with brightly colored clothing. Disappointed, we almost turned around and left, until my intrepid friend Googled his little Google-​employed heart out, and learned that there was an upstairs candy shop. Well, back we went, with our cakes still in hand, as curious as the name of the store we were about to enter.
It’s like Willy Wonka opened shop in the 21^st century, minus Gene Wilder’s bug-​eyed, slightly pedophiliac musical numbers. Virtually everything on a shelf was edible, from statues to baskets to teacups ‘n’ saucers. We got bags of gummies shaped like non-​candy things and a stick of the cotton candy of the day, which happened to be a «Spooky Purple» with edible glitter.
Yes. Edible glitter. It was divine.

We spent a wonderful day in the city this past Saturday and had CuRious on our list of things to experience. Well let me tell you — we were floored by how beautiful the store is designed inside and out! We felt like kids again! The fashion downstairs is gorgeous and then candy section was unbelievable! Best selection ever! I’m still dreaming of the jelly turtles and other sweets! Everything was fresh, fun and top of the line! The associate who waited on us was wonderful and polite. She explained the products and was very pleasant. We will definitely visit her other stores on our next NYC visits.

Cynthia Rowley designs the most interesting, fun, hip clothing, so it’s no wonder her delightful and delectable candy venture follows suit. When I first entered Curious Candy I felt as though I’d discovered a secret hidden gem. Few places in New York have the ability to instantly transport you somewhere else, and Ms. Rowley’s curated confectionery instantly brought me back to my favorite childhood penny candy shop. Though Curious Candy is far more elegant, I felt the same thrill as I did when I entered that little shop from my past. And I keep reflecting on what a brilliant idea it was to combine gorgeous and special clothing downstairs with an eclectic array of scrumptious candy upstairs — two irresistible indulgences under one enchanting roof! Curious Candy would be an ideal spot for a party or special event. The candy selection is the best in the city; after a few generously offered samples, I eagerly filled up a bag. Though I hated to leave Ms. Rowley’s charming shop, I did so with a huge smile, knowing it would become a regular stop for me whenever I visit New York.
Jane
Westchester NY

A magical wonderland, that you’re lucky if you can visit! It adds the perfect touch of upscale whimsy to the upper east side. This chic «Willy Wonka-​esque» world will leave you wanting more. The sweet candy girls will describe each and every candy to you, one more unique than the next.
The candy is very appealing of course, however the CuRious decorations are the reason I often stop by the store! The confetti printed party plates, and gorgeous happy birthday banners/​wrapping paper elevate any birthday to the next level. A must see place next time you find yourself in NYC!

Not worth it! The owner tried to go so «designer» with this store she missed the mark. What atmosphere? Another review says «it’s a wonderful experience just to go». They must work there or something, because Chipotle has about as much «atmosphere» as this place! You had to ask an employee in order to access any of the candy; weird! They were hosting a little girls bday party there, and the store is so small, the food table took up the entire walking space!
Confusing location too, as you have to travel through a very expensive clothing store to get to the candy store. Other than a small metal sign with the candy store name, there is nothing that tells you that you are at the right place or where to go, and all you see is clothing.
We couldn’t access half the store due to the table, but we didn’t care, we just wanted to leave. It felt like we were crashing the little girls birthday party! Used plates, half eaten food, garbage all over, yikes! What a mess!

Through the storybook like alleyway to Cynthia Rowley’s new clothing shop, take the stairs to her version of a dark and dreamy Willy Wonka fantasy: Curious Candy.
Tons of candy, gummies and chocolates in all shapes and sizes.
They have these really cute hand painted mini cakes that I loved and an edible chocolate tea cup set.
Even if $ 14/​pound isn’t for your budget, taking a trip up there is definitely a treat.
For more photos and full review, please visit my blog.