NYC Favorites: Sweet Treats

Photo Source: 

http://sugarandspiceand.blogspot.com/

It's no secret, I love dessert. I would frequently skip a real dinner to try the latest dessert dish. That's why NYC and I get along so well. There are hundreds of shops that specialize in every type of dessert imaginable. Below is a list of some of my favorites:

1. Sundaes & Cones (East Village).

  My favorite ice cream place in the city by far. Their flavors are fresh and inventive. My favorite is lavender. 

2. Black Hound (East Village).

  If you are in the mood for cake, this should be your first stop. This isn't your typical bakery because they specialize in mini-cakes with intricate flavors. My favorite - Queen D. What is that you ask? Just hazelnut butter cake filled with mocha buttercream chocolate and raspberry preserves. I know, I know - perfection!

3. Kung Fu Tea (Chinatown).

  Awesomely authentic bubble tea. 

4. Dominique Ansel Bakery (South Village).  

First word - cronut. For those of you who have yet to hear - this is a croissant doughnut. People line up around the corner, at 6 am, and still rave about the pastry. If you aren't an early bird, the DKA is still worth a trip downtown. Words cannot describe it - just google and you will see.

5. Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery (LES).

 Now I take my cupcakes very seriously. I did the research and this bakery has the best cake and icing combo in the city. As a bonus the flavors are fun. Worth the trip downtown. I did it a few times already.

6. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop (East Village).  

Quality soft serve ice cream. 

7. Doughnut Plant (LES).  

If I have to say much more after doughnut, I'm not sure if this list is right for you. However, if you need more convincing, some of their most popular flavors include tres leches, creme brulee, carrot cake and pb&j. Good luck choosing just one! (No one will judge if you go for two).

8. Amy's Bread (Hell's Kitchen).  

This place is known for its bread, but I love this place for its coffee and oat scones. It is a favorite morning ritual - if you are an early bird, I highly recommend it. For you night owls, they also have cupcakes.

9. Clinton St. Baking Company (LES).  

Omigosh pancakes! My favorite breakfast option... by far! They had me at blueberry, but this place became a must see with their banana walnut pancakes. Full disclosure - they don't take reservations and the wait can be ridiculous, but most say its worth it.

10. Levain Bakery (UWS).

  Known for cookies, cookies and more cookies. They are super-sized and typically served with warm centers. Definitely worth a trip up town!

I look forward to comments or suggestions of new places to try! 

Cheers!

Vienna: Das Tigra

Third post from Vienna!

 As a resident of the great New York City, I get a lot of house guests. With every visitor I frequently hear the same question - "So what do you do for fun  on a typical weekend." Since I have been there for years and hit most of the typical museums, theaters and attractions, I am now proud to announce that my most common answer is... "um, go out to eat."

Fish Sandwich and Gerkensalat from a local fast food joint.

You may scoff at my choice of dining and wine over the cultural hustle and bustle that is New York City. But it is a passion of mine to research the best kept secrets, newest innovations and traditional favorites within the restaurant community. Which brings me to today's post! Naturally, this passion for restaurants doesn't stop with the five boroughs of NYC but follows me abroad, more specifically to Vienna. 

So our first stop was at a local fast food place that features fish (the name escapes me right now - but it was something Nordic if any Vis Mooties* want to check it out). I would describe it as a classier long john silver's - for those familiar with the seafood featuring fast food chains of the U.S. Be ware - the line moves swiftly - unless there are Americans trying to pay with their credit cards in front of you. But the food is affordable and tasty.

RH in front of CHAMPIONS - head there

 for overpriced "American" food

Then, I hit the town to explore with RH and we stumbled upon Champions - the "American Sports Bar and Restaurant." I always find these types of establishments comical. I wonder if the locals really like going there or if it is just a place for Americans to go when feeling nostalgic while abroad. Either way, I hope the locals come visit Philadelphia for a real Philly Cheese-steak (that is way cheaper that 16 euros they would pay at Champions) and the Americans hold out until their return and stick with the local fare. Unless they play Journey there - because that changes everything.

After a lot of exploring and a successful return to our neighborhood without looking at our map (all thanks to the expert - RH!) we headed to a local market for the essentials - candy and pastries. NYC has some great bakeries - but German/Austrian bakeries may ... (sorry I have to say it) ... take the cake! Everything is just better. Fresh bread, pastries, chocolates - the list goes on and everything just seems like a little more heart went into it than in most American supermarkets. No specific recommendations needed because everything is exceptional! Yes, even the haribo gummy bears that are available in the states are better here.

The essentials: apple turnover and gummiberkin

S

ome of you may be wondering - what is with the pizza? I can hear my younger sister pointing out, "C'mon K - I thought you only stuck to local fare when abroad." I know, I know - I blame the hotel concierge for this one. RH and I were in search of somewhere quick, cheap and good before we hit the Vis Bar. The hotel directed us to Vapiano. When he said the name, I thought - ok, Italian in Austria, this will be interesting. But, when I turned the corner I finally put two and two together - he sent us to

Vapiano

a chain Italian restaurant present in the U.S. where you are given a swipe card and order directly from the chef's station. 

To clarify, I am not hating on Vapiano. It is a great place to go with a large group, the food is affordable and tastes great. I just found it hilarious that I have been to the same chain restaurant (excluding typical fast food) in three large cities (NYC, D.C. and now Vienna).

I will end with a glimpse of what is to come in my next post. RH and I randomly walked by this restaurant, in basically an alley, with a line out the door (And its freezing and snowing in Vienna right now). I later learned that this was 

Figlmüller

, a famous Austrian schnitzel house that has been making this traditional dish since 1905. Get excited for this one folks!

The line for Figlmüller - a local hotspot that we plan to visit soon!

Cheers!

*Vis Mooties

- a colloquial term to describe student participants in the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, whose common characteristics include, but are not limited to, desire to be best friends with E.B. (Eric Bergsten that is); heard a law professor from Pittsburgh sing at least three songs on arbitration (yes ... songs); likely sang along with these songs, whether or not they will admit it; know honestly more than any normal person should know about witness statements, article 96 CISG, breach (whether fundamental or not), delay, avoidance and (of course) child labor; fierce competitors by day; people just searching for good times, a party or even (dare I say it) love around the corners of the Vis bar by night.

A Place to Wet Your Whistle: Speakeasy Style!

While the prohibition era is long gone, 

many drinking establishments in New York City channel the speakeasy style. As a fan of golden eras,  old New York, and the good ol' days, I have made it a mission to find the best speakeasy style bars in town.

Photo Credit: Photofest via NYTimes,

available at

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/06/02/dining/20090603-speakeasy-slideshow_3.html

For those who love history... the prohibition era grew out of an anti-alcohol movement from the 1830s-1840s. Abolitionists fighting slavery frequently criticized alcohol as a similar evil worthy of destruction. After the Civil War, several organizations began to lobby against alcohol, including, the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League. In fact, the Anti-Saloon League became one of the most successful single issue lobbying groups in America. After Congress ratified the income tax amendment in 1913, the government no longer depended on liquor taxes as a source of revenue. Eventually, under the pressure Anti-Saloon League's highly successful lobbying campaign, both houses of Congress ratified the 18th amendment. It became effective on January 17, 1920. For more information on the rise of Prohibition, check out PBS's film by the same name

here.

The result of prohibition... hidden bars supplied by bootleggers, frequently known as speakeasies. Common features of these places included, no signs, unmarked doors, dark spaces, and hushed voices. Despite prohibitions relatively swift demise, these hidden gems still remain popular places to grab a drink. While I'm no expert, below is a list of my favorite speakeasy style spots:

5. Little Branch.

 This was the first speakeasy I ever visited in New York. I was such a beginner, that I had literally walked by the door multiple times and never noticed the place. To this day, I still use that as a factor in determining my favorite places. What I love ... ambiance and drinks! Once downstairs, the space really takes you back in time. The bartenders dress up and people are speaking in hushed tones around candlelit tables. Furthermore, the drinks here still remain some of the most creative drinks available in the West Village. I am excited to try another location owned by the same group called Middle Branch.

4.

Amor y Amargo.

 For those of you who have been turned away from Death & Co. due to the long wait, Amor y Amargo is a hidden treasure worth stopping by. It's just two minutes from D&C, but after one drink you may almost forget about its popular neighbor. The space is beyond small, but the drinks are worth it. The bartenders use a variety of bitters to give their own spin on traditional favorites like gin & tonic, the manhattan, and the cosmopolitan. However, my drink of choice is the Francois Four-Play (no longer on the menu - but they will still make it for you).

3. Death & Co.  

D&C earned the third spot on my list due to its awesome decor and extensive drink list. The space is dimly lit but somewhat spacious (as far as speakeasies go). The servers are dressed in 1940s style clothing and very friendly. The last time I came here I ordered a champagne cocktail and something with calvados (apple brandy) - both excellent. The one downside - its nearly impossible to get in here due to the long wait list. But if you are in the area, it is a must see.

2. Pouring Ribbons.

  New location, but experienced bartenders. I almost wanted to exclude PR from the list just to keep it a secret from the masses - but it is that good, I had to share. PR has a simple entrance, located on Avenue B, but its actually on the second floor. Once upstairs, you will notice the decor is simple yet classic and very spacious. I sat at the bar when I last visited - which is great because you can watch the drink making process and chat with the bartender. My group probably tasted half the drinks on the menu that night, and each was better than the last. What kept PR from the #1 spot you may ask? -- lack of comfy couches. 

1. Raines Law Room.

  RLR is my favorite speakeasy style bar in NYC for one key reason -- decor. From beginning to end, my experience at RLR exudes speakeasy style. From the gentleman who answers the door, to the overstuffed couches, to the interesting wallpaper (look closely next time) - everything is romantic, classic and cool. And the drinks, they are the perfect blend of technique and creativity. I have not had a drink there that I did not like.

Please let me know if there is a speakeasy style location you think I missed. I will happily visit it and let you know! 

Cheers!