Brunch at Clinton Street Baking Company and Restaurant

Clinton Street Baking Company and Restaurant has been voted "Best Pancakes" by New York Magazine two times! But lets not get it twisted, this place is much more than just a pancake joint.

In 2001, husband and wife team Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman, began a journey to be known as having the best baked goods in the city that were hand-mixed in small batches. Today they have most definitely achieved their goal and the success tastes so, so sweet. So sweet in fact, their customer are willing to wait for the goods. The normal wait time for brunch on a Saturday morning is a few hours...and people do it with no hesitation.

When you walk into the tiny restaurant, you see the kitchen and everyone that works in it, all the patrons enjoying their food, the freshly bakes goods in the small case and the employees who look really thrilled to be at work. The case in the front contains all kinds of yummy goodness such as: muffins, cakes, pies, scones, cornbread, etc.

The Brunch, lunch and dinner menu consists of many mouthwatering options like Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter, Clinton Street Omelette and the Fried Chicken Sandwich. For a first-timer like myself deciding what to order was a really tough decision. Luckily, my friend Angela was along for the journey and we shared the Fried Chicken Sandwich and Brioche French Toast. 

So let me guess...this all sounds fantastic but you don't have time for a 2 hour wait for brunch? No problem Clinton Street Bakery delivers. They also have takeout and a fabulous way to pre-order cakes and pies for your next event.

Clinton Street Baking Company and Restaurant is located at 4 Clinton Street NY, NY 10002. For more information visit their website here.

Earl of Sandwich

     So one time my friend Annie was like "Oh My Gosh Olivia...you have got to try Earl of Sandwich," and that was that. When Alex and I went to Atlantic City for the weekend we walked right on over to Earl of Sandwich and got ourselves some of the goods. Well... we got lost for almost a mile and couldn't figure out what casino it was in, but when we finally figured it out, then we walked right on over.

"I'm pumped to find Earl of Sandwich!"

"Seriously- where is this place?"

"Earl of Sandwich straight ahead!"

      Alex and I visited Earl of Sandwich in the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. It's quick service and the sandwiches were delish! Their menu is made up of hot sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast and desserts. Check out their full menu here. It's a good place to go if you want some yummy food in a hurry. I got their famous Hawaiian BBQ sandwich. Its made of grilled chicken, ham, swiss, pineapple and Hawaiian BBQ sauce. 

Hawaiian BBQ

 Earl of Sandwich has a lot of locations and luckily one of them in right here in NYC at 1290 6th Avenue (W 52nd st between 5th & 6th ave) New York, NY 10104. Go get some meat between two slices of bread already!

Finger Lickin' at Sticky's Chicken

     Sticky's Finger Joint is the first variety gourmet Chicken Finger restaurant in New York City. This unique spot only uses "antibiotic free, hormone free, cruelty free, free range chicken" to serve of some of NYC'S tastiest chicken fingers. You are probably thinking "what's the big deal? Its just chicken fingers," but you are so wrong. Keep reading to find out all about the place that's "crunching things up" with their fantastic chicken!

     

     From the outside no one would know how fantastic this place really is. I discovered Sticky's Finger Joint because my best friend Annie was visiting for the weekend and her favorite food is chicken. I mean this girl talks about making a cook book called "365 Days of Chicken." So, after a few minuets of searching the web for a finger lickin' good chicken joint, I came across Sticky's Finger Joint on The Underground Gourmet's 2012 Cheap List (check it out here) and we headed on over. 

We were surprised and excited when got there to see the variety of chicken fingers they offered. Since they sell each flavor in one strip or three we tried a few different strips and I'm so glad we did. 

Starting on the top left is the General Sticky Tso, Salted Caramel and Wasabi. On the second row we have a side of Truffle Fries and a Bada Bing. There are so many  flavors to choose from but Annie and I agreed hands down that the Salted Caramel was our favorite. At Sticky's Finger Joint they also make a plethora of homemade sauces to dip your chicken and fries into. Check out the full menu here. 

Can't wait to dig in!

 Are you craving these delectable chicken fingers yet?! Head on over to Sticky's Finger Joint at 31 West 8th Street, New York City, NY, 10011 or call them at 212-777-713. Everyday they open at noon and keep the chicken coming till super late. Oh, and the best part is they cater so I'm pretty sure Annie might have them cater her wedding someday due to her love of chicken. Enjoy ya chicken folks!

Hungry White Girl and Annie :)

Pizza Roma

   
"To most New Yorkers, square pizza is a Sicilian slice with a heavy crust. But now, from Pizza Roma, comes a different kind of slice: the first, authentic artisanal Roman style pizza in New York, also known as “Pizza al taglio” (literally “Pizza by the cut”). Made from a unique pizza flour imported from Rome, the dough is allowed to develop over the course of 96 hours, thus resulting in a lighter crust that is easier to digest" That statement right there straight from the Pizza Roma website sums up exactly what kind of delicious pizza is made.

Throughout this blog you will learn all about the things in life that make me smile and Food Tours are one of them. I discovered Pizza Roma while on the Food of NY Food Tour of Greenwich Village. The pizza is so unique and the toppings paired together are amazing. The pies are made with local and organic indigence and in the shape of a rectangle. Oh and they slice it with scissors just like in Italy! My favorite is the zucchini mozzarella pizza.

The food here not cheap by any means but it is well worth it. A pie for two people ranges from $30-$35.  Pizza Roma is located at 9 Barrow St  New York, NY 10014. For more information check out their website here.

Serendipity 3 is The Place For Me

Serendipity- the art of making happy discoveries, or finding the unexpectedly pleasant by chance. That definition pretty much sums up what happens to every person who walks through the Upper East Side doors at Serendipity 3.

Serendipity 3 has been enticing taste buds for over fifty years. And over those years it has quickly become a favorite among celebrities and New Yorkers alike. It's a small Upper East Side gem with a huge  waiting list almost every night. Don't worry though, as long as you have a few hours to spare they will get you in and you can experience serendipity for yourself.

Although Serendipity 3 has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, what I want to focus on is their sweet treats. Let's start with one of there most talked about items: "The Original, Outrageously Divine, Frozen Hot Chocolate." Its made up of chocolate pieces, hot chocolate mix, milk, sugar, whipped cream and chocolate shavings- and probably contains your calorie intake for the day. For the exact recipe click here. This tasty treat makes Oprah want to "dance on the chandeliers!" It can be all yours for only $8.95

Next is something so delicious it needs to be shared. The "Can't Say No" Sundae is a tower of humble pie, ice cream, banana, hot fudge and whipped cream. After the two hour wait, my best friend Annie and I were ready to feast! Again, all these calories can be yours for only $15.

Lastly, I want to tell you about the most expensive sundae that money can buy. This sundae is so intense that they need 48 hours notice prior to you ordering it. It's called the Golden Opulence Sundae. It's so fantastic that holds a Guinness World Record. I mean if you can afford to eat gold you might as well enjoy it at Serendipity 3. 

Serendipity 3 is located at  225 East 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues New York, NY 10022. They are open Sun-Thur 11:30am to midnight, Friday 11:30am to 1:00am and Saturday 11:30am to 2:00am.





Some photos from: Table hopper and Emloves

Milkshake Madness

     Summer is just around the corner and you know what that means...camping! Well in PA we go camping, I think the camping equivalent for New Yorkers might be a weekend at the Hamptons- both equally great in their own way. Camping reminds me of summer and roasting marshmallows. Since I haven't found a place that I can roast marshmallows here in the city, besides in my microwave, I had to look elsewhere to satisfy my craving. That's where Bill's Bar and Burger comes in.

     Bill's Bar and Burger has been a hit with New Yorker's for years with their locations at Rockefeller Plaza and in the Meatpacking District. Their food is know to be fantastic, especially their burgers, but where they really excel is in their milkshake making skills.

Introducing the Campfire Milkshake. It's a little piece of heaven for only $6.95.

     The Campfire Milkshake contains vanilla ice cream, milk and marshmallows. The best part of the shake is at the top- a thick layer of toasted marshmallow. YUM. They use a fire torch to make the marshmallow gooey and delicious. It's the perfect topping for the most perfect summer milkshake. If you don't have time to sit down and enjoy the goodness, you can take it on the go by ordering at their fast and friendly take away counter. I am a huge fan of that option.

The exact locations for Bill's Bar and Burger can be found on their website: billsbarandburger.com. Why are you still sitting there? Go get that milkshake!








Some photos from: foodspotting

Do you tango with mango?

     This past Saturday was very eventful. One of the highlights of the day was when I saw the mango lady at Union Square. This fantastic Spanish women peels and slices fresh mango, bags it up and sells it on the corner and it's such a hit. I have bought mango from her so many times and every time I go to Union Square I am on the lookout for her. She peels, slices and bags the mango right in front of you then you hand her three dollar bills and enjoy. The mango lady make this city so much sweeter.

Panera To Go

     After we picked up some mango, we made a pit stop at Panera Bread to get some Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Bread Bowls for our picnic at Central Park. I know everyone knows how amazing these things are so I don't need to tell you again.

    After we enjoyed some delicious food in Central Park, a really nice lady offered to take our picture saying: " you never know you might frame this one day!"

Móle Mexican Bar & Grill

     Two years ago I discovered a little Mexican restaurant called "Taco,Taco" and it quickly became one of my favorite spots on the Upper East Side. When I lived in that area, I swear I was dining there once a week. Eventually I moved back to Pennsylvania and had to learn how to fight the Taco, Taco cravings.

     When I moved back to NYC last October one of the first things I wanted to eat was some Taco,Taco. Alex and I took the hour long subway ride from Brooklyn to the Upper East Side and the whole way all we could talk about was how delicious this was going to be! Little did we know, the original Taco, Taco location was CLOSED! I was almost in tears.

     After we stood on the street corner pondering what could have possibly happened that the place would be shut down, I turned around and there was a Mexican restaurant called Móle across the street that looked quite similar to Taco,Taco. We ventured over and- ta-dahh!- it was Taco,Taco with a new name and a larger space. Hallelujah!
  
     So, since discovering that Taco,Taco got a name change, we have also discovered they have four locations. One of them is in Brooklyn, and whats even better is it's only a few stops away from our house!

     You have got to check this place out next time you are in the mood for some Mexican cuisine. It has a intimate feel with dim lighting and close seating.

 The fresh guacamole is a must!  Choose one avocado or two and they bring all of the ingredients on a tray to the table and make it right in front of you. It's so, so delicious!

      The menu has standard authentic dishes but my favorite is the Chicken Chimichanga. It is enough food for two days but it's fanatic. It's similar to a burrito but it's fried and topped with lettuce and sour cream, then served with a side of homemade green sauce. I  just can't get enough of Móle!


For more information check out http://www.molenyc.com/.

Go get ya Mexican on!

Eileen's Special Cheesecake

   I wandered into Eileen's Special Cheesecake last week because I have walked past it about thirty times now and figured I should probably stop drooling from the window and go inside. One of the best decision I have ever made. 

      After I weaved through the crowded front entrance, I was greeted by a very friendly, passionate-about-everything-in-the-shop employee. After she gave me a description on almost every kind of cake they offer I finally made a decision. "Blueberry cheese cake it is," I said. Then I looked up and saw some amazingly delicious looking chocolate macaroons. After much debate I decided to just stick with the cheesecake because this girl can only run so many miles a day. She packaged up the cheesecake and I headed home.

     When I got home I couldn't wait any longer and I dove right into the mini cake. It was really creamy and tasty. I loved that it was a mini cake and just the right amount. Next time I'm going to try a chocolate cheesecake because I prefer chocolate over fruit most days- this was just an off day for me. But I still thoroughly enjoyed the blueberry!

Eileen's Special Cheesecake makes these delicious cakes for any occasion. Not in NYC? Don't worry! You can get her cheesecake delivered anywhere in the Continental US by calling 1-800-521-CAKE.

Look at all the fantastic cakes you can order. Send me one too as a thank you for telling you about this place. ;)

Eileen's Special Cheesecake is located in SoHo at 17 Cleveland Place, NYC and has been open for over 35 years. They offer so many sweet treats such as: pies, cheesecake, cookies and brownies. It's guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 Check out their website for more information: www.eileenscheesecake.com. Get you cake on!