Exploring the streets of New York City is one of my favorite things to do. Looking for new discoveries or going to recommended ones, I never stop. This is not a traditional food blog. I don't focus on restaurant reviews, or cooking tips; but I find specific items that you absolutely must try. Whether it be a cranberry donut or the best cappuccino. The focus isn't on the usual, but the cheap, the best, and the hidden.
I am always looking for new places to go! Send me a tweet, or leave me a tip of your favorite place or find in the comments!
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@remingtonguest
All photos taken with my iPhone 4
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Let’s go a bit uptown, shall we? Welcome to the most Hungarian cafe outside of Hungary. Actually, I’m not even sure they’re as authentic. What I’m trying to say, is this place is legit. Andre’s Cafe. A typical looking place sitting on the upper east side, and that’s exactly why I went in here; to discover. And discover I did. Unquestionably the absolute best strudel. Anywhere. The river of regulars rushing in and out was a sign that I’d probably love it and be back. That assumption was correct. There’s an impressive pastry case, which definitely deserves some exploring, but focus on the pot of gold here. The strudel ($6) is huge. It can feed 3 to 4 people easily. It looks terribly average, but the taste in indescribably good. After you taste it, you wonder if you’ve ever really had strudel before, or if those were all lies (they were). Cherry pictured above, but the 2 recommended flaves are cherry cheese, and poppyseed.
Authenticity, tasted.
Tip: There’s a full restaurant in the back.
Tip: Make Sure they give it to you hot!
(212) 327-1105
Cheap. Best. Hidden. Rarely does a post incorporate all three, but look where we are now. At a post that does just that. Kam Hing Coffee Shop. Spongecake. That basically sums up this post. If not for a tipster, I would never have even gone near this place. I went with a friend, and had to convince him to come in with me. First impression? Shifty. Brave on, through the carwash-like plastic barrier and order up a spongecake. They aren’t displayed, but rather stored in some plastic bins behind the counter. At .60 cents, I recommend you buy a few, because as I was walking out, my friend was already going back in to buy 3 more. I’ve never tasted anything quite like these spongecakes. At first supremely underwhelming, and then the flavors literally start to blossom squared. It tastes like perfect, whatever that may be. But that’s the best I can describe it. This is also the perfect treat to build on and experiment with (jelly, berries and ice cream). Foodies like Amy Cao can create stupidly simple snacks with it. Be brave my friends. Go get some. Or 5.
Another one of the cheap, the best, and the hidden, found and devoured.
Tip: Buy more than one.
119 Baxter Street
Open Monday-Saturday 8 A.M.-6 P.M.
The best cupcakes in Manhattan. That won’t start a debate, but a fight. So this post is just one of the best cupcakes you can find in this amazing city. ChikaLicious Dessert Bar is known by many, but not known by even more. This tiny shop is fairly hidden, and if you aren’t specifically searching for it, probably won’t find it. The cupcakes are in a display case on the counter and they almost look fake; kind of like plastic. Make no mistake this will be one of the best cupcakes you will ever have. Go for the s’mores cupcake. Regular cupcakes like red velvet are $1.75, and premium-filled cupcakes like s’mores are $2.50.
Another one of the best, found.
Additional finds: The other cupcake flavors. The man behind the counter knows which ones are best if you ask him. I’ve heard the banana cupcake is amazing (via @multisync)
ChikaLicious Dessert Club
205 East 10th st.
(212) 995-9511
Levain Bakery. While many foodies already know everything there is to know about Levain, for those of you who don’t, this is for you. This tiny hole in the wall bakery is home to some of the best cookies. Period. The chocolate chip cookie pictured here is truly amazing. They are constantly fresh out of the oven because there is always a line. The bakery was bustling and still baking at 4 pm on a Sunday. It’s worth the $4 and trip uptown.
Another one of the best, uncovered.
Additional finds: The other 3 cookie varieties: chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate peanut butter chip.
167 West 74 Street
(212) 874-6080
A cookie that isn’t on any of the “best” lists. Petrossian Boutique’s candied ginger cookie. I cannot stop thinking about this cookie. It has the perfect balance between chewy and crispy. Sweet, not overly sweet. I called the bakery today, and they have the cookies available. Not only today, but they bake them year round! I was sure they would be seasonal! Each cookie is $3, and more than worth it.
Additional finds: Cappuccino, hot chocolate.
Another one of the best, uncovered.
The Petrossian New York Boutique:
911 Seventh Ave
(between 57th and 58th St.)
New York, NY 10019
212-245-2217
