the BEST cake in the city

As a patron of the arts (particularly the culinary arts) I know that NEW YORK is the place to be. I've heard about many great bakeries here in the city, and tried a few of them out. Initially Magnolia was my favorite bakery...not anymore folks. Two Little Red Hens is a quaint locals-only bakery situated in the upper 80s. You could easily miss the tiny shop if it wasn't your final destination. Thursday, Two Little Red Hens was my only destination. The adorable plaid awning reeled me in like a fish hooked to its bait. The shop smelled sweet, but the aromas were not too strong. The cakes were lined up perfectly behind the counter with spectacular ornate decor. I looked around and saw another case full of pies and other fabulous desserts. When my eyes locked with the cupcakes, I thought no glass shall come between us. I asked the lovely man behind the counter for two mini cupcakes, red velvet and a yellow-cake with chocolate-fudge frosting. After paying and a brief conversation with the man, I sat down to stare at my cupcakes. They were perfectly frosted, with fine ridges that made the cupcakes seem unreal. With each bite, my heart beat grew stronger and stronger (well maybe not, but when I remember the moment that is how I picture it). The cake was perfectly moist with the most delectable smooth icing. I couldn't choose between the red-velvet and the yellow, so I got both. I still cannot decide which I enjoyed more, they were each incredibly flavorful—I guess that means I need to go back.
If you make it to New York City, you MUST stop by this fine bakery.

cones.

my buds scream for this ice cream...

"Going out" for me, in the big city, means eating out. So a couple of weeks ago, I went out with two of my good friends. After eating a lovely Italian meal, they were craving a nice piece of cake. I had my heart said on ice cream...typical. Walking around for about twenty minutes we stumbled upon a bakery, where they indulged in marvelous yellow cake with pink frosting. Yes, I had a bite. After finishing that piece of cake I grabbed a business card (so I wouldn't forget the name of the bakery) and we continued to walk around. Well, it didn't take long before I set my eyes on an ice cream store called Cones. With a line out the door, I knew their frozen dessert had to be good. We waited and a few minutes later, I ordered a cup of coffee chocolate chip ice cream. The coffee flavor was very precise and the texture was like a balance between gelato and ice cream. The chocolate specks added a nice touch to the fine flavor. I am not lying or exaggerating when I say this—it was the BEST ice cream I have ever had in the United States. This is saying a lot, considering there are thousands of ice cream stores and brands. You may not call me an "expert," but I have had my fair share of ice cream—enough to tell you that next time you visit New York, you MUST go to the West Village for a cone. I've already been back twice since my first visit.

During my last ice cream run, I learned that the owners are Argentinean. When the "apprentice" pointed out the owner/inventor of this amazing ice cream, I immediately ran up to him and poured out my compliments. He modestly said, "Thank you" and went back to the giant mixer.

Cones $$$ (cash only)
272 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10014
(212) 414-1795
Open Mon-Thu,Sun 1pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 1pm-1am

Unforgettable at Delmonico's

My grandfather's favorite dessert is a Baked Alaska. Knowing that made planning out my day, with my grandparents, much easier...
A few days ago, I remembered reading that Delmonico's was the place to go for a Baked Alaska. Delmonico's is no ordinary restaurant. Given its history of housing the elite high rollers and only the most fabulous people (including my great grandmother), I knew going to it would be an event. Well, it was more than that. Walking through the big doors, my eyes widened. It was like walking into a dream. Walking to our table in the bar, I couldn't help but look around at the beautiful portraits, classy tables, gold chandeliers and well-dressed men and women laughing as they wait for their food. Since we were only there for dessert, we were seated in the bar area. I was okay with that...as long as our baked alaska exceeded my expectations.
As we waited for our fine delicacy, I watched the men in suits and business attire order drinks while standing around the bar. It was right out of an old movie. I saw our waiter bringing a plate towards us. There it was— our beautiful meringue and banana ice cream combination. It was love at first sight and love at first bite. Seriously it looked like a beautiful piece of art and the taste was seriously good. The banana gelato and the walnut cake were rich and sweet, but not to the extreme. It was just right. What a way to celebrate this fine dessert—in good company at Delmonico's.