FOOD - "The Delicious"
Joe’s Pizza in the West Village
I can’t say I’m in love with NY style pizza yet (sorry, it’s the Chi town girl in me). But there are some exceptions. I was introduced to Joe’s Pizza recently by a friend who had to horribly make up for the last place he suggested. It’s the same West Village location that is frequented by celebs and also where they shot scenes from Spider-Man 2. Other random trivia: its sister location in LA is where Heidi Klum did her I Get That A Lot spoof for the TV show. I picked up some very lovely ladies, Samira and Mariam, for a little taste test:
FYI, I kinda got cheese all over my teeth in the first bite so I may have made a questionable face BUT the verdict: This is some good NY-style pizza. Fresh, crispy, with a good balance of sauce and cheese. I love their no-frills approach too — just plain cheese or pepperoni, at least at this location. It’s a tiny place, and you might not get a seat since it seems to always be crowded, but that’s what the park just across the street is good for. I’ll be going back for sure…
Honey Cakes at Bee Desserts
I’ve been forever looking for a cafe in the city that captures that cozy, low-key atmosphere that I sort of miss from my U of I college days. I think I can safely say I was finally introduced to something that fits the mood: Bee Desserts in the West Village.
They are known for their all-natural honey cakes — a sugar and preservative-free chocolate covered cake that comes wrapped neatly in its signature gold tin foil.
Bee Dessert's Honey Cake
Brunch at Cafe Orlin
Poached eggs over a potato pancake
Still can’t get over the delicious brunch I had at Cafe Orlin in the East Village last weekend. I’ve been to Orlin for some yummy dinner but this was my first day time meal there. We had a mix of savory and sweet, starting with this Middle Eastern inspired dish below:
Malawach, $8
Mud Truck Coffee
Here’s some awesomely free advice: If you ever see a Mud coffee truck, chase it.
I went to Mud cafe last summer in the East Village, so when I saw the actual Mud truck near the Astor Place subway stop last weekend, I had to try. We ordered two chai lattes and vanilla latte after brunch, and it was SO GOOD.
Craving of the Day: Sugar Drop Cupcakes
So, I already told you guys how awesome Sugar Drop cupcakes and cakes are. Yesterday, I had another delicious creation from them at a baby shower where the theme was Le Petit Prince (“The Little Prince”). THE best red velvet cupcakes I’ve had yet. So soft and perfect.
How cute are the little white chocolate crown toppings??
Piola Pizza
Something you’ll learn at Piola is that it’s possible to make pizza in a gajillion different ways — including topped with eggs.
I went there recently and ordered the Moderna (tomato sauce, mozzarella, arugula, fresh tomatoes and shaved parmesan cheese). Very fresh and cheesy. I’m a fan of thin salty crusts, so there were no complaints there but it was a little heavy on the tomatoes.
