Le Pain Quotidien The Le Crookie

One of my favorite places to stop when in the city is Le Pain Quotidien and my last trip was extra special! The baked eggs is one of my most go-to favorites. 

They just came out with what they call a "Le Crookie" which is a cross between a croissant and a cookie. From their website: 

The 'Le Crookie' is made with our airy plain croissants and filled with a gooey-edible choc chip cookie dough, snickerdoodle cookie dough or chocolate cookie dough, twice-baked until perfection.

The desserts here are always to die for and it's a great place to have a light dinner as well. The Le Crookie is in baskets 4 and 5 above.  These had to come home with me. 

I choose the chocolate le crookie and snickerdoodle le crookie 

They are quite amazing, and very large. I cut them in half, and froze to enjoy a few times. They freeze very well. 

The taste was amazing, I felt half at a time was just enough as very sweet. As much as I love chocolate, I felt the chocolate was a bit too sweet. The snickerdoodle was actually perfect for me. They are so flaky as you can see in the photo above. If you are a dessert lover, be sure to stop for these when in the city to try as I am not sure if they are a special item or on the regular menu. It is a good idea to heat them a bit in your toaster oven or convection oven as it really gives them that nice gooey taste. 

Le Pain Quotiden has many locations throughout the city so check their website or Google maps to see if they are near where you will be when visiting 

Please be sure to follow me on Instagram for lots of photos and activity of my travels to NYC. I would be delighted to see you there, be sure to say "hi" 

                             Instagram / Facebook/ Bloglovin/ Pinterest / Twitter  

The 10 Must Try Desserts in NYC

There are so many great desserts in New York City. The obviously famous Cronut is not on my list. I figured everyone knows about that one. I wanted to pick my personal favorites, that I just really think are so worth the calories. The dessert you will go back home and tell your friends about, that you will still dream about a month after you have enjoyed it. There are so many talented pastry chefs in New York City, and we are lucky enough that they are willing to share their creations with us. What a wonderful life we live. In no particular order, as that would be impossible:

•  Breads Bakery -  Chocolate Babka - The most mind-blowing babka you will ever enjoy. It is life changing and they now ship which is so very fantastic!

•  Bouchon Bakery - Nutter Butter Cookie - Thomas Keller is pure genius and his nutter butters make you smile from ear to ear. I love peanut butter and these are one of my faves to bring home. 

•  Doughnut Plant - Tres Leche Donut - This doughnut was produced like the cake, 3 milks, and is really oh so worth the investment. Words cannot describe and they should be in every city.  

•  Baked by Melissa - Cupcakes and Macarons  - Mini desserts are the best, you can try a few different flavors and not get sick and they are great for parties. They ship the cupcakes and macarons direct to your home or they make a fabulous gift. 

•  Pop Bar    - Gelato on a stick - If you love ice cream, gelato is the next level. This is quite fantastic and great for young and old to indulge. 

•  Breads Bakery -  Chocolate Rugelach - Another life changing item from Breads Bakery, they need to be on every block in the city. This rugelach is so wonderful, soft and fresh, like I have never had before.  

•  Lady M - Green Tea Crepe Cake - A crepe cake is like nothing you have ever tasted. Light, fluffly, not overly sweet but oh so good for the tummy. They do ship as well which would make for a unique birthday cake celebration. 

• Jacques Torres -  Chocolate Covered Cheerios- Jacques Torres makes some wonderful chocolate items, but the chocolate covered cheerios are number 1 in my book. So. Much. Fun.  

• Levain Bakery -  Any of the Cookies  - These are heaven on earth, and they freeze well if you wish to take a dozen home. I usually cut them in half and freeze that way. They offer shipping from their website right to your door as well. 

• Veniero's -  Cannoli - The best cannoli I have had so far in the city, with either vanilla or chocolate ricotta filling, oh so darn good. They also dip the shells in chocolate as well, for that little extra touch. A wonderful institution in the East Village which should be on that bucket list. 

What is your favorite dessert in New York City ?

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for visiting! 

A Stroll Through Grand Central Market

Do you believe February is almost gone? Just a few more days and March is here! I thought I would share some wonderful photos from the Grand Central Market which is always mouth watering.  

The most amazing seafood will be found here, you cannot purchase it any fresher than this! I am a huge seafood fan, not really a meat eater, so this is my heaven.  

These looked so beautiful, you feel bad eating them.  

Wonderful selection of olives and pickels and the smell is quite nice too!  

Italian cheese selection and meats is very extensive  

You can also find fun gift ideas here too  

These gluten free items looked really tasty  

Who loves lemon cake? This would be high on your list.  

The famous black and white cookies must be tried by all. They are pretty much like cake, so moist and vanilla flavored cookie.  

Anything Jacques Torres makes will be yummy!  

If you have never had gelato, downstairs at Jacques Torres is a must taste. It is so darn good, a bit better than your regular ice cream. 

GRAND CENTRAL MARKET 

HOURS

Monday – Friday 7am – 9pm

Saturday 10am – 7pm

Sunday 11am – 6pm

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for visiting! 

Lunch at Bryant Park Grill

I was in the city in December for a day and decided to dine at the Bryant Park Grill. I have always walked past, but never enjoyed a meal. It really is a beautiful setting, especially during the holiday season.  

This is not a bad view while you are dining!  

I had a crab cake with honey mustard sauce which was amazing and all crab, not much filler.  

I just love seafood!  

Wild Mushroom Ravioli

grilled artichoke, blistered cherry tomatoes, spinach, edamame, basil, Parmesan broth 

This was very light and totally yummy! 

Just so you are well aware, the Rink in Bryant Park is open until  March 4, 2018, 8am-10pm, weather permitting. I feel it is the best place to skate in the city, as opposed to Rockefeller Center. Be sure to give it a try when in the city during the winter months. 

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for visiting! 

A Visit to Chanson New York

I know many of you have probably started eating healthy for the new year, but this post has zero calories! Chanson is a wonderful pastry shop in my favorite area, the Flatiron. They serve Afternoon Tea here however my biggest complaint is not enough seating. Are you ready for some cool pastry? 

I love french macarons and I am even finding them in my local grocery stores! These are made pretty close to the selections you would find in Paris. 

These desserts are just done so well, works of edible art is what I call them 

The most interesting carrot cake I have ever seen! 

I love the flavors of chocolate and coffee 

This chocolate creation looks so darn tasty! 

The bakery and cafe was opened in Spring 2016, and in September 2017 in the lower level of the store, pastry chef Rory Macdonald opened a Dessert Bar as a tasting room for dessert and cocktails. The six-course dessert tasting, which includes some more savory items, like olive oil gelato with sea salt and eucalyptus to clear the palate, is $68, by reservation for people of drinking age.

This is for sure to be on your bucket list as a stop in the fantastic Flatiron district! 

HOURS OF OPERATION
MONDAY - FRIDAY    8AM - 9PM
SATURDAY    9AM - 8PM
SUNDAY    10AM - 6PM

20 W 23rd St, NY — NY 10010

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for visiting! 

Would be thrilled if you gave me a follow here: 

Instagram / Facebook/ Bloglovin/ Pinterest 

Inside Park at St. Bart's

I had the pleasure of being invited to check out Inside Park at St. Bart's. You can read my prior post about St. Bart's on the blog. I thought the space was very lovely when I checked out St. Bart's itself, and was thrilled to finally dine here. 

Founded in January 1835, in the then-fashionable Bowery section of Manhattan, St. Bartholomew’s began its life as part of the Evangelical movement in the Episcopal Church. Worship services were held in a plain church at the corner of Great Jones Street and Lafayette Place. At first growth was slow, but by 1872 St. Bartholomew’s was large and prosperous enough to build a splendid new church at Madison Avenue and 44th Street. Designed by James Renwick, the architect of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the building was later embellished with a triple portal by Stanford White. 

Stanford White is one of my most favorite architects & whose buildings are just such a wealth of amazement to me! 

They were having a white truffle festival when I visited, such an amazing menu. Located on Park Avenue, next to the Waldorf Hotel and behind the Lotte New York Palace, it is a great area. I love walking on Park Avenue as it is less crowded and you can really get a feel for the city. 

The bread basket was lovely and they always say if the bread is good at a restaurant, the meal will be even better! 

This was a Harvest Cobb Salad like I had never seen before. Everything so fresh, and this could be a meal in itself! The apples to the right melted in your mouth! 

romaine, bacon, apples, egg, pecan, cranberries, goat cheese, poppy seed dressing 

It doesn't get any better than this, or does it? 

Yes, it does! My main course was Tagliatelle and Pancetta

Egg noodle, pancetta, truffle cream, chanterelle, 6 minute egg and shaved white truffle 

It was called HEAVEN and I can't describe how fantastic it was! 

The terrace is a lovely space, heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, so relaxing to dine here with family, friends or a business meeting. 

Inside Park adjacent to St. Bartholomew's church is open all year around for lunch, dinner, cocktails, and private events.

Intricate Byzantine-like decorative stenciling, true to the immense room’s original colors, motifs, and craftsmanship, have been painstakingly replicated on the soaring 30-foot ceiling, as well as on the walls, overhanging balcony, and border around the raised dining gallery that is lit by original Great Hall hanging fixtures. 

Simple, but elegant, 15-foot-high yellow and white stained glass windows remain as beautiful elements of the 86-year old room.   

A lovely room, very classic New York and a unique experience.  

Inside Park at St. Bart's is wonderful for your holiday party needs. They offer custom-designed menus, unique space, and fabulous service. There are options available whether your party is 20 or 500. The historic Great Hall and Outdoor Terrace offer a lovely spot right on Park Avenue for any wedding, birthday or holiday event. 

Inside Park at St. Bart's is open for Thanksgiving dinner, and you can book on Open Table which makes it so easy! 

Inside Park at St. Bart's
325 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Reservations at Open Table 

Monday - Friday

Lunch: 11:30am - 3:00pm

Bar: 3:00pm - Close

Dinner: 5:00pm - Close

Saturday and Sunday CLOSED

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for visiting! 

Would be thrilled if you gave me a follow here: 

Instagram / Facebook/ Bloglovin/ Pinterest