Monday, August 11, 2014

Best Dessert Bars & Bakeries in New York City

Choosing a restaurant in New York can be daunting as there are a plethora of restaurants and seemingly unlimited choices. If you are having a sweets craving look no further, here is a guide to show you the top go-to dessert bars and bakeries of New York City.

Levain Bakery - If you find yourself strolling along 74th St. on the Upper Westside, then you have to stop by Levain. The below street-level location, is tiny and unassuming, similar to the average bakeries in New York City. But don't let this fool you. They have one of the best chocolate chip cookies.

Their menu is small and only offers 4 kinds of cookies; Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip but they also have savory breads to try. I suggest that you try one of each cookie flavor. Their most popular is the Chocolate Chip Walnut but my personal favorite is the Dark Chocolate Chip. Levain cookies are quite expensive though at $4 each. But each cookie is huge and is equivalent to 3 regular cookies. The consistency is quite unique as well. Think, crunchy cookie-like on the outside but soft and brownie-like on the inside.

You'll find Levain Bakery at 167 W 74th St between Columbus Ave & Amsterdam Ave.

ChikaLicious Dessert Bar - ChikaLicious is the best place if you want to sit-down and have dessert. It offers a pre-fixe menu for $16 which includes an amuse bouche, main course, and petit fours. But, they also offer great wine pairing for an extra fee. The restaurant is quite intimate and modern. Sit by the bar to see the chefs in action preparing your dessert or opt for the tables if you prefer to have conversation with friends. Though the menu is constantly changing, the amuse usually consists of a vegetable or fruit gelee (pear, sweet potato, carrot) and the petit fours usually are chocolate discs, marshmallow with coconut flakes, and a liquor ball (rum). The main course choices vary greatly depending on when you come. But most desserts have a common theme; they are beautiful and detailed while being delicious, flavorful and not overtly sweet. The desserts seem to showcase Chef Chika's (Chika-licious) Japanese roots. Among their staple main courses try the cheesecake which is served on a bed of ice. This is definitely not any ordinary cheesecake that you will find in the bakeries of New York City as it is super light and airy. After eating at ChikaLicious Dessert Bar, head across the street to their Dessert Club, their answer to the typical bakeries in New York City for take-away goodies.

You'll find ChikaLicious Dessert Bar at 203 E 10th St between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave.

Momofuku Milk Bar - Momofuku Milk Bar is the brainchild of up-and-coming chef Christina Tosi. Among the bakeries in New York City, this place is modern and trendy. The menu is definitely non-traditional and evokes a sense of nostalgic youth (think: milk steeped in cereal and cookies with cornflakes, pretzels, and M&Ms). Try the Blueberry Cream Cookie, which tastes exactly like a blueberry muffin but has the chewy texture of a cookie and the Crack Pie (yes, it lives up to its name). If you're looking for something savory and decadent go for their famous Pork Buns. Prices are decent for bakeries in New York City but the pies are quite expensive at $5.25 a slice. Stop by here often, as their menu changes and sometimes they even run specials (I once had Iced Tea cake here!).

You'll find Momofuku Milk Bar at 251 E 13th St between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave.

Doughnut Plant - Among the bakeries in New York City, Doughnut Plant is the go-to place if you want to try the best doughnuts (yes, I said it!). The consistency of their doughnuts is light yet cake-y. Their offerings change seasonally but as long as you choose a flavor that is pleasing to your palate you will be satisfied. My all-time favorite is the Tres Leches which has a light sugar crust and a gooey milky filling. Similar to the typical bakeries in New York City, Doughnut Plant hours are 6.30 am to 6.30 pm. Come here early though as there is usually a line and most flavors are often sold out by the end of the day.

You'll find Doughnut Plant at 379 Grand St. between Suffolk St & Norfolk St.


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