Unfortunately FAO Schwartz closed their ice cream parlor this past summer:-(
FAO Schwartz
767 5th Avenue (@59th Street)
(212) 644-9400
When they reopened this mega toy store they did it right. What do kids want after they shop for amazing toys…amazing desserts. The 1950′s design of the parlor is so inviting you feel drawn to sit down whether you have shopped or not. I just come in and head straight to the bar! You can satisfy your sweet tooth with cookies, brownies, pastries, or my favorite ice cream. I still need to order a milkshake, but they are so HUGE that I need someone to share it. I have never seen a bigger milkshake than at this ice cream parlor. The root beer float also looks incredible. I created my own sundae here and it was delicious. They have a lot of different flavors of ice cream and a multitude of toppings from candy to sauces. This parlor is a must visit but be prepared to shell out the dough because prices are high when you are eating at the world’s best toy store.
Dylan’s Candy Bar
1011 3rd Avenue (@ 60th Street)
New York, NY
(646) 735-0078
Want to feel like a kid again? Dylan’s Candy Bar is the place to go…a must see and eat in NYC. Walking into this colorful candyland your eyes are immediately drawn to the buckets of assorted candies and the amazing ice cream bar in the back. It’s two levels of pure enjoyment. You can’t help to smile at Dylan’s. Every time I go to Dylan’s, the menu gets better and better. You can choose to have an amazing ice cream sundae, milkshakes, cupcakes (from Crumbs), cookies, fudge, and stuffed Rice Krispy treats.
That’s right, you feel like you have entered into Willie Wonka’s dreamland.
Ice cream
Dylan’s has the best variety of flavors than any NYC ice cream parlor. From Oreo cheesecake, to cookie mess, or, my favorite, birthday cake, you can’t choose a wrong flavor. I recommend though the cookie mess sundae. The sundae is packed full of cookie mess ice cream (vanilla ice cream with different kinds of cookies mixed and mashed into it), hot fudge, chocolate covered cookie dough balls, and to save the best for last a REAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE!!! I mean this is for all you cookie lovers out there! It is absolutely amazing! The Birthday cake ice cream is also one of my all time favorites, since I love sprinkles and frosting. It is a vanilla ice cream base with sprinkles and frosting mixed in. This is definitely worthy of a celebration!!! Take your kids or treat yourself and keep coming back because you will want to taste everything is this store! xoxoBlondie
May 15, 2009: Ok, so I just took a trip to Dylan’s Candy Bar with Blondie for the first time and I was blown away! Blondie is right when she said they have the best ice cream flavors. I mean their concoctions are incredible. I ordered the “Birthday Party” sundae (pictured above). It has “Birthday Cake” ice cream, hot fudge, a piece of their homemade yellow cake, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry. It definitely looked like a party in that cup! It met all of my expectations. We decided this is thus far the BEST place to grab a sundae in NYC. IT’s like you’ve stepped in to a dream where all your ice cream sundae desires can come true! xoxoBrownie
Max Brenner’s
841 Broadway (Between 13th and 14th Streets)
(212) 388-0030
This is a chocolate lover’s must!!!!! Max Brenner’s is a sort of new comer on the dessert scene and now has two locations. Besides having great desserts they also have decent and healthy food options. But, come on! When there is chocolate who wants a turkey sandwich??!!?!
It’s really hard to focus when you walk into Max Brenner’s. If chocolate fountains or bowls filled with chocolate don’t catch your attention, maybe chocolate pizza will. The overwhelming menu consists of hot chocolate, milkshakes, crepes, waffles, sundaes, truffles, cookies and brownies, fondues, and pizza. Max Brenner’s is even diet friendly with some sugar free desserts on the menu. WARNING TO DIETERS…it is hard to order sugar free/low calorie when looking at the real thing. You can barely pay attention to the menu as the waiters walk by with other costumers’ orders. You sit and stare at your neighbors’ with envy. The atmosphere is dim lighting with twinkle lights. It has a French cafe feel to it. Rightfully so since the chocolate man himself is from France.
The Hug Mug
The hug mug is Max’s signature cup designed for his different hot chocolate creations. There are so many, it’s hard to choose which one to warm your tummy. I like the melting marshmallow hot chocolate because it is frothy, creamy, of course chocolaty, and very filling. It almost seems that they have whipped marshmallow fluff into chocolate sauce to create this masterpiece. It sure beats Swiss Miss with mini marshmallows. The hug mug is a genius design that is luckily sold at the store inside the restaurant. So don’t worry, you can try to create this at home.
Peanut butter crepes
My favorite dessert I have tried here so far is the peanut butter crepes. The delectable crepes are filled with peanut butter and chocolate chunks. It is served with vanilla ice cream, toffee coated bananas, a toffee caramel sauce and topped with hazelnut crunchy bits. This desserts is the ultimate in satisfaction. Don’t share because you will want to indulge in every last bite.
Popsicle Fondue
This is a very fun and interactive dessert. It comes with an ice cream popsicle of your choice and a trio of fondue dips for your enjoyment. Every bite can be different as you dip into chocolate, chocolate covered wafer balls, and crunchy hazelnut topping.
The Chocolate Mess
I am not kidding around here people. Listen up! I have the ability to eat very large sundaes, but I cannot compete with this. SHARE THIS SUNDAE. The individual size is large enough for three people. The bottom layer is an under-baked chocolate cake. It is then topped with your choice of Max Brenner’s ice cream flavors, toffee bananas, chocolate sauce, chocolate chunks, toffee cream, candied hazelnut bits, AND whipped cream. Instead of a spoon, they give each participant a spatula. This chocolate mess is not to be missed or messed around with.
Amy’s Bread
672 9th Ave (btwn 46th and 47th Streets)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 977-2670
Map
75 9th Ave (btwn 15th and 16th Streets)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 462-4338
Map
250 Bleecker St (at Leroy Street)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 675-7802
Map
All I can say is GET THE PINK CAKE!!!! Then you will become part of the “pink cake fan club.” It’s unofficial of course, but you will then understand what the mouth experiences once you try it. Moist and heavy white cake is buttery and smooth as the body of it all. It is covered with a substantial amount of buttery, creamy, and sugary pink colored icing. This is a thick cake that melts in your mouth, making you want more and more. Sold by the slice, you can also get it in a cupcake size or just buy the entire cake! As a cast member of Spamalot on Broadway, most birthdays are celebrated with an entire pink cake (or 2) at the theatre!
Blondie and I recently tried the chocolate cupcakes with chocolate and vanilla icing brought in to the theatre by a cast member of the Broadway show Young Frankenstein. What we both found unique about these cupcakes was an almost fudge center right underneath the frosting.We don’t think it was meant to be there, but perhaps the cupcakes bakes with results like this. It was a wonderful surprise!
Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleeker St.
NY, NY 10014
(212) 462-2572
200 Columbus Ave
(212) 724-8101
*Update: New Location
1240 Avenus of the Americas (6th Ave and 49th St.)
This quaint bakery is located in the West Village, one of the cutest parts of the city. Its country feel offers the warmth of home for this uptown girl. It is also located across the street from one of my best friend’s apartments…. I’m so jealous! They are known for the mouth-watering cupcakes that come in numerous flavors and colors of cake and icing. My personal favorite is the classic white cake with chocolate icing. Similar to Amy’s Bread cake, they are moist and extremely buttery. The cake is evened out though by the considerable amount of rich and sugary icing. This is a total melt-in-your-mouth experience. You must know though, that occasionally a line forms around the block, therefore only a dozen are allowed per person. So bring friends because you will definitely want more than one!
Alice’s Tea Cup
102 W. 73rd St. (at corner of Columbus Ave.)
(212) 799-3006
156 E. 64th St.
(212) 486-9200
220 E. 81st St.
(212) 734-4832
I must tell you, one of our favorite activities in the whole world is to go for afternoon tea! Whenever someone comes in town, we always introduce them to our favorite tea place, Alice’s Teacup. This adorable uptown gem (I have been to the E. 64st location but my constant is W. 73rd) serves the best scones you will ever taste. With a variety that includes ingredients such as dark chocolate/strawberry and banana/chocolate, all of their scones rotate in flavor each day. The best part is that they’re served warm! What Alice’s might be most famous for is their pumpkin scone. It’s covered with a gooey caramel topping that is sure to have your taste buds salivating just at the sight of it! Brownie can’t go in to Alice’s without eating a pumpkin scone. We recently tried their “new” Turtle scone (caramel, pecans, and chocolate) and the Double Chocolate Peanut Butter scone. The Double Chocolate Peanut butter was amazing and tasted like a Reeses cup in the form of a scone. The turtle was right out of the oven, moist, and had a delicious glaze on top. You won’t find these types of scones anywhere else in NYC.
Kyle presenting the famous pumpkin scone
Our favorite piece of cake in NYC is Alice’s Chocolate with Buttercream frosting. The buttercream is thick and sweet, generously spread between each layer. The cake is so moist, it tastes like an Oreo cookie dunked in milk. It is THE BEST cake in NYC. One huge piece costs $6 and you will enjoy every bite.
IT’S VEGAN!! Their Orange Cake is delicious and it’s totally vegan! So moist and flavorful, this cake has a jelly-like bottom and a delightful, crispy crust. The top is a thin layer of dried glaze that’s crisp and compliments the moistness perfectly. It goes splendidly with a cup of tea!
Little Pie Company
424 W. 43rd St. (btwn 9th and 10th Aves.)
(212) 736-4780
407 W. 14th St. (btwn 9th and 10th Aves.)
(212) 414-2324
Grand Central Terminal ShopLower Dining Course
(212) 983-3538
Little Pie Company knows what they are doing when it comes to pies. I usually visit the midtown location and have tried a lot of their delicious creations! Here is the list of their pies I love: Southern Pecan, Banana Cream, Mississippi Mud, and Sour Cream Apple Walnut….
Southern Pecan
Traditionally made, the filling is in equal quantity to the actual pecans so neither is too overwhelming. I actually wasn’t a fan of pecan pie until I tasted this one.
Banana Cream
So light and fluffy, you can definitely eat an entire small one (they come in small, medium and large)! The crust is so tender, it mixes in your mouth to make it taste like you’re eating banana pudding. It is definitely a pretty presentation with a big puff of whipped cream on top. So delicious!
Mississippi Mud
This is my favorite of all! It literally looks like a big chunk of mashed fudge in a pie pan! It’s actually made of brownie streusel mixed with chocolate in a chocolate cookie crust. This rich goodness is for chocoholics! Once you take a bite, you can’t stop! Seriously, I could not stop eating it! Mmmmm!
Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie
Of course, everyone loves “grandma’s” apple pie, but there is something unique about Little Pie’s version. It is simple with a twist. It is made with hand sliced Granny Smith Apples and fresh sour cream. There is a top layer, the best part, of brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnut streusel. It is absolutely incredible and surprisingly soft and fresh instead of crunchy and hard. Vanilla ice cream is always a good addition, and they serve it!
Lastly, I cannot forget to mention that they make a great carrot cake. Their carrot cake is moist with a crunch from nuts inside. The cream cheese icing is thick and creamy yet a bit crusty. This compliments the consistency of the cake perfectly.
A new favorite: the Cinnamon Fudge Sundae!
Serendipity 3
225 E. 60th St.
NY, NY 10022
(212) 838-3531
Of course, this blog would mean nothing if I didn’t mention the insanely decadent sundaes of Serendipity 3. Blondie and I just recently closed in our Broadway show, and we decided to go here for a sundae (or I should say “sundaes”) treat! Located on the UES next to Bloomingdale’s, this small “soda shop” restaurant provides the largest and best sundaes you can find. They are known for their famous “Frozen Hot Chocolate,” which you must have the first time you go. This place definitely doesn’t skimp in quantity so it’s not for wimps. Some of my favorite picks are the Frozen Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, the Forbidden Broadway Sundae, and the Can’t Say No Sundae…
Frozen Hot Chocolate (or peanut butter)
Between a milkshake and a smoothie, it literally is hot chocolate…but frozen! It comes in a large, circular glass topped with whipped cream and chocolate crumbles! Richly refreshing!
Forbidden Broadway Sundae
Now this is a sundae! A huge hunk of their Chocolate Blackout cake is the main focus. Dense and creamy, it is accompanied by large scoops of vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce drizzled on top, overflowing out of the dish. Of course, it’s finished off with a generous amount of whipped cream! Definitely for 2 people! This is serendipity’s most popular sundae (told to me by my waitor). If you are a chocolate lover, this ones for you!
Can’t Say No Sundae
All you peanut butter lovers watch out! Being a peanut butter freak myself, this one is right up my ally. The main focus is a piece of their Humble Pie: a creamy peanut butter pie with a gram cracker crust. Added on top is vanilla ice cream, bananas, melted peanut butter, fudge topping, and whipped cream!
Look for the warm peanut butter topping! Sometimes I just make my own sundae and top it with that because it’s so good! Sometimes the wait is horrendous, but what you experience is worth it all!
If you want some grub while you’re there, check out their foot long hot dog!
