French Toast From the Brick Oven

Here’s what you’re going to do: go to Blue Ribbon Bakery, sit down, ask for a glass of water and go immediately downstairs. Come then back to the table where now the same bread you just saw coming out of the oven downstairs and whose smell you went crazy about is waiting for you. Thanks to the discovery of a 135 year old abandoned brick oven located in the basement of what used to be a closed bodega, everything is made at Blue Ribbon - who opened at this location in 1997 - from the Ciabbata to the Challah or the Raising Nut Bread French Toast. This last one comes with fresh berries and Vermont maple syrup butter.

33 Bedford St.

(212) 242-1086

http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/

Chocolate Blind Test

Let's be honest, sometimes you eat a piece of chocolate and you love it just because you're craving for any chocolate. Or you go to an amazing chocolate shop and everything there is so pretty, from the counter to the boxes that you could even eat the packaging. Last week I invited friends from different ages and nationalities to take a Blind Test of chocolates from the 7 chocolate shops in NYC that are in my opinion the best ones.
These are the brands analyzed by the brave participants:
La Maison du Chocolat, Pierre Marcolini, L'Atelier du Chocolat, Vosges Haut-Chocolat, MarieBelle, Jacques Torres and Kee's Chocolates

And the winners are:
(and we only have winners here)

The Excellents
Pierre Marcolini
L'Atelier du Chocolat
Kee's Chocolates
Jacques Torres

The Very Good
La Maison du Chocolat

The Good
MarieBelle
Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Save Room for Dessert

Desserts aren’t usually something that you think of when going to a Japanese restaurant but don’t forget about it when going to Matsuri. Not only it is an excellent excuse to spend a few more minutes appreciating the beautiful decoration of its high ceiling salon but it is also like having the best of Japan and France in the same meal.

Don’t miss the fabulous Banana Tart with chocolate ice cream. The bananas are delicately caramelized, the tart is filled with a soft crème patissier and the chocolate ice cream tastes like a chocolate mousse. Finalize with their selection of teas and special sakes.

Matsuri
363 W 16th Street
http://www.themaritimehotel.com/matsuri.html

The Little Owl

Walking in the neighborhood of The Little Owl is part of the experience of eating there itself. Historical landmark houses and small streets full of trees and silence are some of the characteristics of this charming part of West Village around Bedford St. and Grove St. Curiosity: Little Owl's building is the site of the fictional home of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
The entire menu is absolutely delicious but since I’m focusing on desserts I shall recommend the Pear Crisp: caramelized pears covered with a crunchy crust and with Vanilla ice cream on the side. Eat slowly; each spoon is a little piece of heaven.

The Little Owl
90 Bedford Street
http://www.thelittleowlnyc.com/

Patisserie et Boulangerie

Every French I knew in New York would tell you the same thing when asked about a good French pastry shop in the city: You can't find one. It might be due to the butter they use in France or to the humidity of the air but one thing is certain: it would never be like in France as you don’t go home with the baguette under your arms, you don’t eat your croissant while facing the lake at Jardin du Luxembourg and nobody tells you “merci, bonne journée” on your way out. But, besides all that, there are a few places in NY where you can eat amazing French specialties. Try Bouley Bakery and I’m sure that after you eat the Chocolate Almond Croissant and grab a Pain de Campagne for tomorrow's breakfast you will feel a little bit of the joy of being in France.
Try also the Cannelés, the Macarrons, the Éclair au Chocolat and their version of the classic American Muffin with the French touch: with white, milk and dark melting chocolate pieces.

Bouley Bakery
163 Duane Street

Happy Hour

Leaving work and looking for something sweet, crunchy, fast, easy and reasonable in terms of calories and price? You will find it at Starbucks and no, I am not talking about coffee. Go straight to the counter and grab a small cute package of covered Graham Crackers. Although sometimes you can't find them in every store don’t give up, they are wonderful. Don't feel bad if the cashier finds it weird that you are only buying crackers.
Available in milk and dark chocolate.

In the Mood for Desserts

Either if you are up to a sweet treat after dinner or if you are one of those people who could exchange a plate of food for a plate of cake, take for granted what only NYC has to offer you: a dessert bar. One of my preferred ones is Chikalicious. When going there, sit on the counter so that you can see Chika herself and her assistants prepare delicious and delicate desserts. It's not only about having dessert but being in a desserts only restaurant, which gives it its charm.



Chikalicious
204 E. 10th Street
http://www.chikalicious.com

Best Chocolate Shops in NYC:

L'Atelier du Chocolat
Pierre Marcolini
La Maison du Chocolat
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Jacques Torres

Kee's Chocolates

MarieBelle

L'Atelier du Chocolat: 59 W 22nd Street

Pierre Marcolini: 485 Park Avenue

La Maison du Chocolat: 1018 Madison Avenue

Voges Haut-Chocolat: 132 Spring Street

Jacques Torres: 350 Hudson Street

Kee's Chocolate: 80 Thompson Street

MarieBelle: 484 Broome Street