We had the good fortune of connecting with Bilena Settepani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bilena, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking:

My family and I proudly own Settepani Bakery and Settepani Restaurant, spanning three locations: our wholesale bakery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, our restaurant in Manhattan, and our coffee shop in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Settepani has earned renown for its mastery in crafting Italian delicacies like sfogliatelle, cannoli, panettone, and more. While panettone is traditionally a holiday indulgence, we’ve redefined it as a year-round pleasure by introducing a new flavor every month.

This decision was bold, as we were uncertain of our community’s response, but it was born from inspiration during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. Since 1999, we’ve been baking classic panettone year-round, even featuring it in our signature panettone French toast.

Deciding to sell panettone year-round, with innovative flavors, was a risk. We were unsure how the Italian community would respond. Fortunately, this idea has been embraced, with fans eagerly trying every flavor we create!

Some of our monthly releases, alongside the traditional Milanese, include “The Rainbottone” rainbow cookie panettone, Peaches & Cannoli Cream, Dulce De Leche, Nutella Panettone, and more. These inventive twists on a classic favorite have captivated taste buds and earned widespread acclaim, solidifying panettone as a beloved treat throughout the year.

My personal journey into the family business was not without its challenges. When my mother battled cancer and my father became the primary caregiver for her and my grandmother during a global pandemic, I made the courageous decision to leave my job in fashion to support them and pursue culinary school. Despite their reluctance to burden me, I knew that standing by their side and contributing to our family’s business was where I belonged, having witnessed the countless sacrifices my parents made throughout my life.

What should our readers know about your business?

My parents established Settepani Bakery over 30 years ago. Hailing from Sicily, my father’s journey to Brooklyn began with humble beginnings; as a child, my grandmother instilled in him a strong work ethic by having him assist at a bakery after school. After completing high school, he pursued higher education at NYU and acquired his first bakery in the 1980s. His culinary passion led him to attend the renowned French Culinary Institute.

Settepani has remained a family affair, with my parents, myself, and my younger brother now at the helm. We oversee three brick-and-mortar locations, a thriving wholesale operation, and our newest venture – nationwide dessert shipping.

My aspiration is to honor and expand upon the legacy my parents have built. This entails not only growing our brand but also perpetually striving for excellence in our products. We are dedicated to sourcing the finest ingredients available to ensure that each creation surpasses expectations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

New York City is a dynamic hub constantly teeming with new openings, a facet of city life that I cherish deeply as a native. When I’m not eagerly exploring the latest culinary hotspots, I find solace in returning to my beloved haunts. Naturally, my family’s restaurant, Settepani, holds a special place in my heart; my must-order items are the homemade pumpkin ravioli and the succulent lamb chops.

For Sicilian cuisine, my top choice is Piccola Cucina, while for Greek delights, Stamatis in Astoria never disappoints. When seeking both a captivating ambiance and delectable oysters, you’ll occasionally find me at Grand Central enjoying the offerings of the Oyster Bar.

Pizza holds a special allure for me, and I have my favorite slices mapped out. Whether it’s the indulgent burrata slice at L’industrie, the upside-down slice from Mama’s Too, or the tantalizing combination of ricotta, sesame, and hot honey from Ace’s, each bite is a slice of New York’s culinary diversity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am deeply grateful to express my heartfelt appreciation to my supportive family and community, whose unwavering encouragement has shaped me into the person I am today. My journey has been enriched by the boundless support of my immediate family, including my parents, as well as the nurturing influence of my remarkable grandmothers, Nonna Filippa and Grandma Sarah, who played integral roles in my upbringing. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to my devoted aunts – Geni, Rachel, and Bin – and uncles – Gabi, Mikey, and Frank – whose guidance has been invaluable.

I am also indebted to my cousins, little brother, closest friends, and the entire Settepani community, spanning from those who worked tirelessly for my family before my time to the exceptional team we are privileged to have alongside us today. Each individual has contributed to my growth and success, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.

What is your favorite dessert to make, and bring?

My favorite dessert to make is always a tough choice. While I pour my heart and soul into crafting unique flavors of panettone and constantly experimenting with new variations each month, there’s something truly special about the simplicity and elegance of a chocolate mousse cake. Its moist crumb, creamy mousse, and delicate balance of flavors never fail to impress. Additionally, filling cannoli shells holds a special significance for me; it was my favorite job as a kid growing up in the bakery.

Both desserts hold a special place in my heart. My mom always told me never to show up empty-handed, so I usually arrive at a party with a box of cannoli or a cookie platter, ready to share the joy of baking with others.

What do you do when you are not working?

My schedule is packed for 11 months of the year, but whenever I carve out some personal time, my favorite pastime is traveling. I relish the opportunity to explore diverse cuisines in new cities, immersing myself in the culinary delights each destination has to offer. Recently, I just got back from visiting Vienna, where I had the pleasure of sampling just about every Viennese dessert. Additionally, I find solace and inspiration in attending operas or perusing art museums, indulging in the rich cultural tapestry that the world has to offer.

Website: https://www.settepani.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bilenasettepani/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilena-settepani-81301110a/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/settepani-new-york-5

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bilenasettepani

Other: Settepani Bakery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/settepaninyc/?hl=en Settepani Restaurant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/settepaniharlem/?hl=en

Image Credits
Margherita Andriani Photography

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