ABC Kitchen
35 E 18th Street
New York, 10003
(212) 475-5829
On the menu it’s called the “Sundae,” it should be called “Brilliance in a Bowl.” Walk if not run to ABC Kitchen for dessert, their entire dessert menu perhaps. I sat at the bar in disbelief! How could I choose?? The “sundae”, chocolate cake with marshmallow frosting, vanilla chip ice cream cake, cobbler, pie……STOP IT RIGHT NOW! HOW IS A GIRL SUPPOSED TO CHOOSE! Read More »
502 Sixth Avenue (Between 12th and 13th Streets)
NY, NY 10011
212-691-1363
www.barsixny.com
It’s apple season! And what better way to celebrate than with an apple pie! While dining at Bar Six, I finished my meal off with their “Special Dessert” for the evening: Apple Cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What’s so special about an apple cobbler?” Well, first of all, you can never go wrong with an apple cobbler and ice cream. Second, this isn’t your normal idea of the dessert. It was literally a mini apple pie. Yes, with the traditional pie crust top and everything! The only difference from a pie though was that there was no bottom crust, therefore putting it in the cobbler category. WOW. Seriously, the top was light and flaky and the apples were fresh and perfectly cooked. It was served in a mini pie pan right out of the oven. The ice cream had slightly melted on top, making it the perfect creaminess. And by the way, they know the the right amount of ice cream to use as well. I hate when there isn’t enough to finish off the dessert. I never ran out with this one! If you want a fabulous and traditional fall dessert, go check out Bar Six! xoxoBrownie
Bar XII
206 E 34th St
New York, NY 10016
(212) 545-9912
www.bar12.com
Could this be true? A shot that tastes like Yellow Cake? On Monday night I was hanging out with some friends at Bar 12 on E. 34th Street. We were watching the Cavs sweep Atlanta, GO CAVS!!! Anyway, all of a sudden I hear the words “Yellow Cake Shot,” and my head turns to the bartender with eyes wide with intrigue! I ask Josh, the bartender, did you just say a Yellow Cake shot?? Could Blondie have found her perfect shot? Oh yes, it’s true. My friend Chris quickly orders them up! Behind the bar, Josh is making a concoction that is hard to follow. He is moving fast and being tricky…he puts on a great show! What I did manage to see was some pineapple juice, a key ingredient. As he pours the yellow mixture, it even smells like cake. We all cheers and take our shots…YUMMY!! It was perfectly blended with a nice sweetness. I think it would make a great martini even. So, come down to Bar 12 and have Josh make you some of his delicious creations. If you are a Cavs fan, ask for the King James shot! xoxo Blondie
Yes, you heard me correctly. Big Daddy’s is taking balls of chocolate chip cookie dough, rolling them in Cookie Crisp cereal, and FRYING THEM!!! If that isn’t enough, they scoop vanilla ice cream on top, cover it in chocolate sauce, whip cream, and rainbow sprinkles!! Honestly, when I saw this on the menu I couldn’t believe my eyes. Whoever thought of this deserves an award. I’ve heard and tasted the fried oreo, but fried cookie dough!!!! AHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Ok…so was it as good as it looks? You can see in the picture the fried pieces. They were more like raviolis. I actually thought the amount of dough was lacking. I pictured big balls of dough being fried, so when the ravioli’s came out…I was a little disappointed. But, when I got a “good bite” (that being one with a good amount of c.c.c.d., ice cream, choc. sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles all in one) the taste sensation was amazing. You have a crunch from the frying, the warm gooey dough, and the cold from the ice cream. Lots of flavors and lots of textures all at once. I give Big Daddy’s so many points for the desserts menu. From creative sundaes such as this, to cupcakes, or dessert pancakes…you are sure to please your sweet tooth. xoxo Blondie
What could be better than a late night Concrete at Shake Shack?!?!? If you haven’t wondered down to Madison Sq Park or ventured to the UWS location yet to order a famous concrete, you can’t call yourself a New Yorker. The other night I created my own concrete. I chose peanut butter sauce, marshmallow, and chocolate truffle cookie dough. The creamyness from the marshmallow, blended with the marshmallow, created an amazing fluffernutter base for the cookie dough!! It was absolutely delicious and a PERFECT end to the evening. We sat under the twinkle lights in the park for a magical NY moment. xoxo Blondie
Today was another gorgeous Spring day in New York City. Spending the afternoon at the Shake Shack in Madison Sq. park, eating and playing cards is one of my favorite things to do. The custard flavor of the day was Peanut Butter Shacker Jack! It was a PB custard topped with cracker jacks! I mean…who is thinking of these fabulous flavors?!?!?! I wasn’t even planning on getting custard at 11:30am, but when this is on the menu how can you not? The extremely creamy custard mixed together with the crunchy corn was a caramel PB explosion every New Yorker deserves to experience. So don’t ever forget to check the flavors of the day here and jump in the “B” line to order something sweet! xoxo Blondie
Shake Shack
www.shakeshack.com
11 Madison Ave # 1, New York
(212) 889-6600
366 Columbus Ave, New York
(646) 747-8770
The Shake Shack has come a long way with their desserts. I absolutely LOVE their flavor of the day custards that are OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS. I enjoy a “flavor of the day option” because the anticipation as you walk up to the menu is so invigorating! Will it be a flavor I like? Have I tried this flavor before? Maybe it’s the flavor I have been dying to try for 2 months now?!?! Today the flavor was called “Giggles.” Not knowing what that could possibly mean, I was overjoyed to find out it was a chocolate, peanut butter, and snickers mix. After a tiny sample, I ordered a double scoop. Shake Shacks’s custard is unbelievably creamy; silky even. It melts in your mouth, but slowly because it is so thick. Every bite leaves you wanting more and when you come to the end of your cup, that’s all you want…MORE! I could taste all three of the ingredients (the lovely waitress told me I would). I don’t know why it was called “Giggles,” but I was definitely smiling. All the custard is homemade and the convenient “B line” makes ordering it super quick! I also LOVE the concretes at Shake Shack. I did not get one today, but have enjoyed them in the past. Made with the delicious custard, they blend in a variety of toppings to create a blizzard of sorts. Concretes are super thick and chock full of goodness so make sure to try one too! For all you Mets fans out there…the NEW Citifield has a Shake Shack in the stadium. For all of you non Mets fans out there…you’re Mets fans now aren’t ya?!
Union Square Cafe
21 East 16th Street
NYC 10003
212.243.4020
www.unionsquarecafe.com
Union Square Cafe has been rated the number one restaurant in NYC for many years, by both locals and tourists. After dining here over the weekend, I can see why. From making a reservation to being served a complimentary dessert, USC were overly gracious in hospitality. Our complimentary dessert was due to two birthdays and an announced pregnancy from my sister! It was a flourless chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar and a dollop of espresso zabaglione. Zabaglione is a simple Italian custard dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine. Also known as zabayon or sabayon. The crust of the cake was crunchy, like a chocolate cookie and added a wonderful texture against the dense cake. The zabaglione was light and refreshing against the richness of the chocolate. The combination of everything was delightful and a perfect end to a decadent meal.
Wildwood Barbeque
225 Park Ave S. at 18th Street
212.533.2500
www.brguestrestaurants.com
Salted Caramel Ice Cream
One of my new favorite desserts is the salted caramel. For some reason the idea of salty sweet is hitting a high note with Blondie’s tastebuds. After enjoying my dinner at Wildwood Barbeque, one of the BR Guest group of restaurants, I was ready to try something from the amazing dessert menu. As soon as I heard salted caramel ice cream, my decision was over. I loved how they served the ice cream in a long dish with three scoops and three cute petite spoons. It made sharing very easy. The taste of the ice cream BLEW ME AWAY! At first you taste the sweet, dark caramel richness. Then as it is melting in your mouth, the salt kicks in and explodes on your tongue! I could not believe how distinct both the flavors were. I have seen the “salted caramel” rage around NYC lately, and I am a fan. If and when you happen upon this wonderful creation think of it as a must try. Steve Hanson, the owner of BR Guest Restaurants, does a lot of things right. One thing for sure is that all of his restaurants have delicious desserts. The ice cream I had was made at their Long Island facility and is brought in to the restaurant every day. So after you enjoy Wildwood’s finger-licking good barbeque, order the salted caramel ice cream or something else from the dessert menu. I’ll be going back to try the chocolate pudding cake, yum!
Homemade Caramel Corn
*Something Extra*
As a to-go present, Wildwood gives you a small bag of homemade caramel corn. Could this dining experience get any better?!
71 Irving Place Coffee and Tea Bar
71 Irving Place, NYC 10003
212.995.5252
One of my favorite streets in New York City is Irving Place. I love the tree lined blocks, huge brownstones, quant restaurants, and quiet ambiance. Today, I stopped by 71 Irving Place to grab a cup of coffee and eye catching treat. I chose the granola bar. I know what you are thinking, “Blondie! A granola bar is not a dessert!” Yes, I would agree with you. But, this granola bar was so tasty, it deserves a review. Chock full of cranberries and slivered almonds this granola bar is almost like a thick oatmeal cookie. The bar was extremely chewy and very sweet (I could actually see the brown sugar). I also felt that I tasted a hint of molasses in the ingredients. The top of the bar had brown sugar crumbles such as ones found on coffee cake. I really enjoyed that part!! Irving Place also serves tempting treats such as cupcakes, cheesecake bars, good looking cookies, and a decadent mississippi mud bar. Everything looked delicous! I am quite certain they don’t bake on premises, but when you need something to go with your cup o’ joe, they’ve got it!
