Posts tagged Dessert

I have a new obsession; Jacob’s Pickles.   I have been dying to try this new Upper West Side restaurant and finally had an excuse to make my way inside.  With one single bite, this new, rustic spot made its way into my culinary thoughts and dreams.  Already, I am convinced that this place, opened in December, will become a new staple of Upper West Side cuisine.

Amanda and I entered through the open, inviting doors of Jacob’s Pickles.  The hostess’ friendly demeanor made us immediately feel at home.  She escorted us past the high energy bar scene towards the back of the restaurant in a more open area, with brick walls and long dark wooden tables. 

Our eyes opened wide and mouths began to salivate as we saw dishes being placed in front of others.  Large, yet beautiful plates filled with cheese grits in metal tins, cuts of meat the size of our faces, and biscuits sandwiches piled high.  Waitresses poured 64 oz. beer containers into the tall glasses of the rowdy patrons.  We made our way past all the chaos to a table for two against the exposed brick walls and slightly open window, bringing in a perfect summer breeze.  The quick, but eventful trip to our table made our stomachs grumble even more and grins turn to full-fledged smiles. We couldn’t wait to eat.

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If heaven were a cookie, it would be the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip cookie from Levain Bakery.  Even in the winter, the line is down 74th street and wraps around onto Amsterdam.  And trust me, it is definitely worth the wait.  

You could easily walk past this bakery if it was not for the line.  It is located in the basement, underneath a laundry mat.  The second you walk past, the whiff of the freshly baked cookies permeates through your lungs and you cannot resist the urge to walk inside.  

The little bakery has carts and carts lined with gigantic tennis ball sized cookie dough goodness, frozen before being cooked off.  The tough decision is choosing which one.  I have personally tried all four, which are unique and you can’t even bother finding a regular chocolate chip cookie.  It’s so much better then that.

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For the past few years, desserts have been all the trendy rage.  From cupcakes to froyo bars, they are on every street corner and appearing for any celebration at work.  The newest trend might be my favorite.

Puddin.

My mom heard about Puddin on the radio one afternoon (super vintage) and had been dying to go.  It’s hidden on St. Marks, between 1st and A, a place one would not normally stumble upon.  Trust me when I say, until you try puddin, you are missing out.

This little shop has no seats and just a simple counter top and exposed kitchen.  Each batch of pudding is made fresh every day.  You can actually see them mixing the little bowls of heaven in the back.  Not only is it just pudding, but there are mix-ins to add and enhance the flavors.  They allow for tastes, and according to the woman behind the counter, even if people taste and leave, “they will be thinking about it for days and be sure to come back.”  I’m already dreaming of when I can be back.

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