Donna D Goes to Seattle
December 16, 2011
For Donna’s second featured post, she took us to Seattle. Here’s what she has to say…
“I hadn’t been back to Seattle since I was in the fourth grade, so needless to say I jumped at the opportunity to go visit my cousin, her fiance and their oh-so stinkin’ cute daughter. My cousin and I are huge fans of oysters, so naturally our first stop was to Pike’s Place Market to find the freshest, fattiest, most juiciest oyster shooters around. We ended up getting a bit side tracked en route and sampled delicious crepes from Crepe De France, one of Nicki’s favorites. We also hit up Piroshky-Piroshky, a Russian bakery; however, the piéce de résistance of the market (besides the oysters) had to have been Daily Dozen Doughnut Company. Pure heaven. These donuts were warm and fluffy but had a marvelous crunch on the outside. I was eating them like popcorn– by the handful. Maybe that’s why I wore sweatpants on the remainder of my trip?
Spinach, Goat Cheese and Tomato Crepe at Crepe De France
Donuts being fried to golden perfection
The smell of donuts permeates the air
Russian pastries from Piroshky-Piroshky
Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie
December 13, 2011
Following the signs in Red Hook, I made my way through some quiet industrial streets before finally landing upon the lively spot of Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie. The sounds of the crowd told us we arrived, and upon ordering our pie were also kindly invited to join in the opening party celebration for the Mexican Folk Art gallery next door, Manos De Mexicanos. What a good time to come by. The party went on, as the view of the sun setting over the Verrazano bridge provided the perfect backdrop. And the best of all was a taste of some of the most delicious key lime pie I’ve ever had.
4" Tart
Key Lime Pie
Inside the party
A Cupcake Celebration
November 21, 2011
Any excuse for cupcakes, and I’ll take it. Saturday afternoon, my friends and I, (and dogs) had a cupcake party to celebrate the year anniversary of the site. Because it’s far too difficult to pick just one bake shop, we decided to have a taste of them all. I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face after finishing the Upper West Side cupcake crawl, with stops at Baked by Melissa, Alice’s Tea Cup, Magnolia’s, Crumbs and Peacefoods, all with their own fabulous style and ambiance. It was a tough call between Melissa’s bite size flavors to Crumb’s Apple Crumbler, but our top vote goes out to Peacefood’s vegan carrot cupcake.
Baked By Melissa's Graham Cracker, Peacefood's Vegan Carrot, Magnolia's Caramel, Alice's Chocolate and Crumbs' Apple Crumbler
Carrot & Melissa's minis
Sophie's Debut
With love from Crumbs
Sweet Treats
November 16, 2011
How cute are these guys? My friend gave them to me as part of a birthday gift. Perfect for party favors, after dinner lollipops or just to treat yourself to something fun. You can check them out online from The Groovy Baker, where she strives to bake food that is pure, natural and wholesome as possible. She goes far beyond just these lollipops, and specializes in all sorts of desserts for any occasion.
Créme Brulee, Orange Blossom Thyme and Apricot Saffron lollipops
My favorite, Orange Blossom Thyme
Summer Flashback from Donna D
November 9, 2011
I’ve decided to do a guest feature post once a month from my photo partner-in-crime, Donna. While she accompanied me in Iceland, and several other adventures around New York, here’s a flashback to summer time and what she has to say about City Island:
“Ever since I saw the movie, City Island, I was dying to make a trip over to this quaint little destination which is often described as a place where Cape Cod meets the Bronx. Being a Masshole expat living in NYC, I was surprised I hadn’t discovered this place sooner. So you can imagine how stoaked I was when my friend, Andrew offered to take me out on the Limerick (R.I.P his trusty Irish sailboat) for a day trip around the Long Island Sound. We enjoyed lobster brioche rolls, fries, salad and mac ‘n cheese from Aggie’s Roll, a trailer serving the best food on the Island, and finished up with chocolate ice cream for dessert from Lickety Split.”
Although the winter months are upon us, we can at least keep it on our list of things to do come Spring 2012!
Lobster brioche rolls and a side of fries from Aggie's Roll
Spinach & mushroom salad with a shallot vinaigrette
Fresh squeezed lemonade with a hint of mint
Lickety Split's chocolate icecream
Peacefood Cafe: Eat Differently
October 6, 2011
This adorable cafe planted itself conveniently just on the corner of my apartment a little over a year ago, yet it wasn’t until my vegan roommate introduced me to their delicious food that I became a regular. One of my favorite snacks happen to be their chickpea fries with home cream dressing, and I hate to admit, but their homemade vegan brownie bites are usually consumed at least 3 times a week for dessert.
Chickpea fries
Vegan brownie bites
Chickpea fries
Café Babalu
September 8, 2011
Reykjavik’s streets are filled with so many cool, laidback cafés, it’s rather difficult to choose, but with Café Babalu’s bright colors and welcoming roof terrace, it’s hard to deny. Saturday afternoon my friend and I enjoyed the sunshine and crisp autumn-like temperatures while sharing an amazing pesto, tomato and mozzarella panini and nutella crepe for dessert. The decor is mismatched retro findings to give it that unique yet warm character. It’s the kind of place that serves white wine in a chipped souvenir mug from Germany, but you wouldn’t want it any other way.
Nutella Crepe
Pesto Mozzarella Panini and salad
Nutella Crepe
White Wine
Pesto and Mozzarella Panini and salad
Café Babalu
Cake Bake & Roll
August 22, 2011
This cute little bistro, Cake Bake & Roll, in Long Branch, NJ, was the perfect stop for breakfast after a beach weekend with girl friends. Its Euro-style with a colorful 50’s disco flair is just as fun as the desserts themselves. And if it’s too early in the day for sweets, the bagels and breakfast sandwiches are a good alternate.
Some of their fun loving cake options
Cupcakes
Sesame bagel with cream cheese
Cheesecake Bites
August 11, 2011
How cute are these mini cheesecakes? They were served as part of the dessert for my friend’s baby shower earlier this summer. With the bright, fun colors, it’s a great idea for serving an eye catching treat at a large gathering. And no one can possibly be too full to enjoy at least one.
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
Remember When You Were 5
July 27, 2011
Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned candy shop? Flashing back to Red Lodge, Montana, this nostalgic emporium in the heart of town has every type of treat imaginable. Stepping inside is like a time machine to your childhood, and you can’t help but splurge to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Milk chocolate with almonds
Milk chocolate with almonds and chocolate covered pretzels
Raspberry truffle
a camera in the kitchen 