Tasty Travels: NYC {Part 5} & Coconut Dream Bars

To get caught up on my travels {in order!}:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Remember when I first started my travel recap and I thought it would be a 5 part series? Yeah, well... I totally underestimated how much stuff I had eaten and seen and done on my visits to New York. It could be because every time I'm in the city I feel like the trip is over in the blink of an eye. Or maybe because NYC is so saturated with amazing foodie experiences.

 

Regardless, I have more to tell you about. And today we're getting really foodie!

 

Ok... food-loving friends. There is a wondrous place where all of your culinary daydreams can go run wild. And it's called Chelsea Market.

 

I LOVE Chelsea Market. I loved it so much that I almost had a mini-meltdown of happiness when I walked in. Steve was worried for a second that he might have to fan me to keep me from passing out into a little puddle of joy like the girls you see in those old clips of Beatles concerts. There's just SO much to see and taste!

 

Not only is CM filled with storefront after storefront of tasty delights, but it also has a really cool history that makes it all the more intriguing. {In short, it used to be an old factory.} The architectural details of the market make it engaging to walk around and browse, even if you're not hungry. {But seriously, how could you not be with all the yummy stuff going on in here??} Plus, Food Network's office is in here. Squeeeee!

Anyway, we got there around lunchtime and it was packed. We did a sweep of the place to check out our food options, then split up to grab a bite and were lucky enough to eventually snag a table right in front of Amy's Bread. So that's where I'll start the "tour".

Our spot was perfect for lunchtime entertainment -- Amy's Bread has a large glass windows that lets you see the behind the scenes action of the bakery, and it was mesmerizing. I sure hope this fellow didn't feel uncomfortable with me gawking at him while I ate my sandwich!

 

I had read all about Amy's Bread when I was researching spots to visit, and the reviews had been nothing but flattering for this well-known NYC bakery. We did buy some bread {it was a funky-looking baguette}, but I have to say, I don't think we got it at the peak of freshness. There is crusty bread, yes, but then there is also "nearly rip your teeth out of your head" bread, and sadly, I don't think the bread we tried was worth removing a layer of skin from the roof of my mouth. I took a Coconut Dream Bar to go & hoped that maybe that would give me a better impression of Amy. {It did.}

 

Next, we strolled along, making stops at Sarabeth's, Ruthy's, Eleni's, and Fat Witch, and I even convinced Steve to let me spend some time in the Bowery Kitchen Supply & Buon Italia, which are easy spots to get lost in for long periods of time if you have an affinity for the kitchen!

 

Like Central Park, Chelsea Market is another place that could take up hours of your day if you let it, but we had lots more to see so Steve pried me away we left to do some more site seeing.

 

 



Wheeeee... can I live here??

We had been invited to check out Steve's buddy's band, Le Mood, who was playing at Spike Hill in Williamsburg that night. {If you watch Two Broke Girls, you know all about Williamsburg and it's hipstery vibe}. Before the show, we made plans to meet up with my very good friend, Lourdes, who happens to live in NYC {I've known her since Kindergarten!} & her boyfriend for dinner at a place called Sweetwater.  Between catching up with my friend and diving fork-first into their amazing food, I can't remember what I ate, nor do I have pictures to show you... but I guarantee, it was good!


Far left: Lourdes & me!, Center: Le Mood, Far Right: Steve & Corinne from Le Mood.

After the show, a group of us headed over to a charismatic little bar/restaurant called Surf Bar, a spot I'd expect to find in South Florida, not in Brooklyn! {Those funny little hipsters, they do have a sense of humor.} This place had it's own striking personality... from its sandy "floor" to the surfboards hanging overhead, its checkered tablecloths & haphazardly decorated walls, Surf Bar is never a dull moment. {Heads up: I had a run-in with a cockroach the size of a matchbox racecar in the bathroom that was most definitely memorable!} 

Click over to Surf Bar for pics... I promise, it's a must-see. :)

 

At the end of the night, Lourdes mentioned that she wouldn't mind giving us a little tour of some food spots the following day. And since there are few people I know who love food more than Lourdes, I happily accepted her offer! Be prepared to tag along on our whirlwind food tour in my next post... and to be amazed by how much food my husband can put away!

So, maybe we didn't have the very best first impression of Amy's Bread's namesake... but it was hard to find fault with these "Gooey Coconut Dream Bars" that I brought home for later. Also known as "Magic Bars" or "Hello Dollys", these layered dessert bars combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut, and chocolate on a buttery graham cracker crust. They're rich and satisfying and do have a magical way of eliciting a dreamy, "Hello!". ;)

Amy's Bread Gooey Coconut Dream Bars
Adapted from Martha Stewart, courtesy of "The Sweeter Side of Amy's Bread"

 

3 cups graham cracker crumbs {20 crushed crackers or so}, melted
3/4 cup butter {1 1/2 sticks}, melted
Pinch of salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups sweetened, flaked coconut
1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk {not evaporated!}

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray {or buttering it}, lining it with a sheet of parchment paper with flaps hanging over the edge so the bars will be easy to remove once they're baked.

2. In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and salt. Pour it into the bottom of your lined pan and press it to pack down the crust into an even layer.

3. In another bowl, mix together the chocolate chips and coconut, then sprinkle it over the crust evenly.

4. Pour the condensed milk over the top of the filling as evenly as possible. Bake it for 28-32 minutes. {Seriously, it's that easy.} Keep an eye on it to make sure it isn't browning too much or bubbling over. {Amy's recipe suggests turning it mid-way through the baking time to ensure an even browning.}

5. When it's done baking, remove from the oven and cool it completely. Then, using the nifty little overlapping flaps you created with the parchment paper, lift out the entire thing. {You may need to carefully go around the edges to loosen it from the pan.} Cut it into desired size bars.

Keep bars refrigerated if you're not serving right away, and bring to room temp to before eating.

 

Tasty Travels: NYC {Part 4} & Citrus Shortbread Cookies

Follow along with my NYC travels {in order!}:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

After a good night's sleep, we woke up hungry and ready for, well, food. Duh. Steve wandered a few blocks from the hotel while I got ready, and he returned with some tasty bagels from Leo's which was conveniently just around the corner. Perfect for getting carbed up for all the walking that was about to ensue!

Love their branding.

Since we survived the first day and night of our vacation, we decided to celebrate by doing some more wandering. This time we managed not to get lost and put ourselves in a perilous situation.

First stop: A peek at the filming of the Today Show. I used to watch Today every morning. To the point that I felt like I knew Matt, Ann, Natalie, Savannah, and Al personally. {I stopped watching when Ann -- my absolute favorite -- parted ways with the show. Boo.} It was chilly, but we managed to stay warm enough to catch a few minutes of Al Roker & Savannah Guthrie shooting a quick segment out on the Plaza.

We walked around and saw Rockefeller Center by day... still very neat, but not quite as magical as it was the night before decked out in twinkly lights and illuminated by the giant tree.

As if we hadn't had enough trees or brisk fresh air {is there a such thing in NYC?}, we decided to make our way to Central Park -- one of the top places on my list of must-see city sites. After a quick stop at a tiny corner store to grab a hot cup of coffee, we started our stroll.

Central Park is one of my absolute favorite places I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. It is such a paradox... a welcome inconsistency in the busy, bustling city. Sure, there's movement and activity in the park itself, but there's something pleasantly eerie about the sense of calm that Central Park elicits in the middle of a place known for moving at warp speed.

There are so many little nuances to the park -- hidden nooks and crannies that are waiting to be discovered, statues and exhibits to stumble upon unexpectedly, gorgeous vistas to happen upon that seem to be affixed onto a metropolitan backdrop of skyscrapers in the distance. Central Park is a little oasis smack dab in the middle of the city.

If my waxing poetic hasn't already tipped you off, I was charmed to pieces. Given the opportunity to have an extended stay in the city, I could probably spend an entire day meandering around Central Park.


Oh, hi. I love it here.

With a wholesome nature walk in the park checked off our list, we moved on to browse a beauty of a less organic nature: The Plaza Hotel.

What do you think of when you hear "The Plaza"? Home Alone 2: Lost in New York? Opulent celebrity weddings? Bride Wars? The Eloise books? Yeah, me too. Since I figured I'd never be back here for an extended period of time {Hint/Foreshadowing: I was wrong.}, I wanted to get lost in The Plaza's fanciness, whether or not I had to literally drag Steve along its shiny marble hallways or not.

Since it was around Christmastime, The Plaza was decorated even more beautifully than normal with wreaths, and trees, and festive floral pomanders. It was dreamy. {And so worth having a pouty husband who couldn't care less about crystal chandeliers in tow.}

We hit the pavement once again and, while I already had Steve in a fancy frame of mind, I thought I'd take a quick look at the elaborately decorated store windows on 5th Avenue... something I had always wanted to do.

I didn't want to torture the hubs with girlie site seeing any longer, so I suggested we take a little break to rest our tootsies at a place I had read about in my trip research a few weeks before: The Knave Care & Bar at Le Parker Meridian. {I didn't say I was done being fancy. At least there was food involved here.}

So, this place... such an unexpected spot and exactly what I needed to relax from the break-neck pace we had been keeping. The Knave is literally a nave which I thought was super geeky play-on-words-cool. You walk in from an unassuming street entrance and find yourself standing in the middle of what looks like part of a cathedral; swathed in rich velvet curtains, low lit with medieval-looking chandeliers, and filled with cozy tufted booths.

We chose a snug little spot to sit and were immediately greeted by a friendly server who asked what we'd like. I had read that their prices were steep {$6 for a latte}, but being a sucker for atmosphere and experience {and knowing that we weren't planning on dropping a big chunk of change anywhere else for the remainder of the trip}, I happily ordered the Cafe Mocha. The server's eyes lit up at the mention of my order... she proceeded to tell me that The Knave is known for their mochas and that she quickly became addicted to them when she first started working there. Good choice! 

My coffee arrived -- complete with foam art & a delicious little shortbread cookie -- and while I can't say it was the best coffee drink I've ever had, I enjoyed sipping away while Steve and I planned out the rest of the day as the sound of Bach's Cello Suite No. 1- Prelude {my favorite, surely they knew I'd be there} floated through the room.

I sort of didn't want to leave...which seems to be my personal theme when it comes to NYC.

In Part 5 {yes, there's still more!}, I'll be telling you all about my second favorite spot in the city and take you along on a little food tour that was put together by one of my very good friends.

It's easy to get caught up in all the frills of the finer places in the city. While it's true that I enjoy luxuriating in the lavish from time to time, some things can be just as elegant and special without all the fuss. Take these shortbread cookies, for example.

Inspired by the little cookie that was served with my Mocha, these little melt-in-your-mouth bites are a reminder that sometimes simple really is best. Buttery, and just sweet enough with a delicate orange scent, these Citrus Shortbread Cookies are pure perfection with just a handful of every day ingredients.

 

Citrus Shortbread Cookies
Adapted from Joy of Baking

1 cup butter {2 sticks}, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt


1. In the bowl of a stand mixer {or with your hand mixer}, cream together softened butter and confectioners' sugar. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, and mix well.

2.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.

3. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until it's fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl every once in a while.

4. Scoop the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and form into a disk. {I like to fold the plastic wrap over onto the dough and lightly roll the dough out to the thickness I want the cookies to be to save myself some time later when I'm ready to cut out the cookies.}

5. Refrigerate the dough for about an hour, or until firm.

6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before you are going to use it. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

7. Using a cookie cutter of your choice {I actually use an inverted champagne flute because it's the perfect round size... I should probably invest in a cookie cutter of that size.}, cut out desired shapes and place onto the lined cookie sheet.

8. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the cookies look "set" and the edges are slightly golden. {Don't let them get too brown.}

9. These are crumbly little bites, so let them cool down before removing them from the cookie sheet and cooling them completely on a rack.

Tasty Travels: NYC {Part 3} & DoubleTree Copycat Cookies

My first trip to NYC was brief but busy - checking out delicious sites like Arthur Avenue &  Little Italy, getting to try some new cuisines, experiencing a historic bar, and even making my way to the Hamptons!

It took a while for us to get back to the city again... almost 2 years and the beginning of a food blog, to be exact! I thought for sure that our second visit would be a little less jam-packed since we had already taken in some of the spots we both wanted to see. Boy, was I wrong!

Steve had booked our second NYC trip as a surprise. He knew that one of the things I'd always wanted to do was travel to New York during the holidays to see the city dressed in it's Christmas best. And it was everything I ever dreamed... and more!

Normally, I'm the one who researches and plans our trips and lodging, but since this trip was a gift, Steve did all the footwork himself and I was so pleasantly surprised with the hotel he booked for our stay. {I'm a little on the control freak picky side when it comes to accommodations.} Thanks to credit card points, we were able to stay in a nice hotel located in the Financial District - the Hilton Doubletree on Stone Street. {Heads up: The already pricey hotels in NYC are even more expensive during the holidays.}



Left: Our room. Center: The front entrance from Stone St.
Top Right: Me, eating the warm cookie., Bottom Right: The view from our room.

I really liked the sleek accommodations and relatively roomy room {especially for NYC standards!}, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and of course, they won me over with their "warm cookie on arrival" policy. My kind of people. ;) The hotel is right smack in the heart of the the business region of the city {steps from Wall Street}. For those of you looking to stay where the action is... this is not necessarily the best choice, though we didn't mind the "commute" to the sites.

Happily situated, we were ready for round two of our adventures. For our first night, Steve had secured tickets to a show that was perfect for getting us in the holiday spirit: Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular. I had always wanted to see The Rockettes!

Radio City Music Hall was decked out in holiday decor, though it would have been beautiful regardless. I love the old time feeling of the architecture and decor of buildings in the city. It made me feel like we were stepping back into a different era. {Here's a little about its history.} The show was great, definitely geared toward little ones but certainly entertaining enough to keep our attention. Those Rockettes are some talented, long-legged ladies! {Favorite part: Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Hands down.}

 

After the show, we had dinner reservations we had made the week prior when we found a Groupon deal for a nice, upscale restaurant at a very reasonable price. {We are not high rollers by any means... always looking for a bargain!} Except, we weren't exactly sure how to get there. So, we hopped the subway and attempted {KEY WORD} to get to where we were going.

And then, things got really... interesting. Somehow or another we got the wrong train. We wound up Harlem-bound. A fight broke out about 10 inches from us in the very crowded car. We feared for our lives. In a panic, we exited and found ourselves in a less-than-desirable neighborhood for dressed up tourists to be wandering around. I yelled at Steve for looking lost. We tried to figure out how to get to our destination from where we were, unsuccessfully. We were starving and frazzled.

So... we gave up on dinner reservations, and ended up going back to where we started because 1. We knew our way around that area, 2. I was so hungry I was about to chew off Steve's arm, and 3. Getting mugged wasn't on our list of "things to do".

Sometimes, diverting from the plan is the best option.

Anyway, thanks to all the madness, we ended up stumbling into Heartland Brewery. I have never been more happy to see a bar restaurant, though I was disappointed that we had to have dinner at a chain {definitely something we avoid, especially when traveling!}. Still a bit shaken after our near death experience, both of us agreed that a drink sounded like a good thing.

As it turns out, we really enjoyed Heartland's overall feel and beer selection. One of their 7 locations in NYC, this spot had a buzzing crowd that were likely residual stragglers from Friday Happy Hour all chattering and sipping tall, frosty brews. {Thought it was flippin' cold out, especially by Florida standards!} Since I couldn't decide exactly which of their beers I wanted to try, I got the sampler flight that comes with 6 small, though generous, options.

Have you ever seen a happier girl?

I also ordered their BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, which was perfect for that moment, but otherwise was pretty standard pub grub. I think Steve got a burger and felt the same. I sipped my way through the samples, deciding that my favorites were the citrusy Harvest Wheat {no surprise there, I really like wheat beers}, and Farmer Jon's Oatmeal Stout which had deep, sweet notes of coffee and was rich enough to qualify as dessert. Yum.

With our blood sugar levels back in check {and feeling warm & fuzzy from all that beer sampling}, we bundled ourselves up and walked down to Rockefeller Center to check out the tree. I had been talking about "The Tree" for ages. It was what sparked a desire to visit the city during the holidays to begin with. {I know, it's just a big tree. But it called to me, what can I say.} So this was an exciting moment.

It's always so odd to experience something in person that you've spent your life seeing on TV. Everything seems smaller somehow, yet just as fabulous. Throngs of tourists were milling about Rockefeller Center, which was dazzling with sparkling lights.

We walked up to the tree and stared for a while. {It's big, in case you were wondering. } We watched the ice skaters below twirling and gliding {and tripping and bumbling}, and took in the scene. We even walked a little further down and scoped out part of the Today Show set.



Exhausted from a day of travel, a near-fatal trip to the wrong 'hood, and bellies full of beer bubbles, we decided to call it a night, head back to the hotel and get some rest so we could do it all over again the next day.

I have to say that with all the excitement of the day, we honestly didn't get to eat too many good things, making those DoubleTree Cookies the highlight of the day. So, I did a little research and discovered that while Hilton keeps their recipe a super-secret, there are some good copycat recipes out there, like this one I adapted from Cookie Smart. Whether or not it's the "real thing", there's no denying that these cookies wouldn't be well received as a warm welcome any day.

Get more NYC:
Part 1
Part 2

DoubleTree Hotel Copycat Cookies
Adapted from Cookie Smart

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup rolled oats, ground {use a food processor or blender}
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips*
1 cup walnuts, chopped*

1. Preheat your oven to 350. Meanwhile, line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mats.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, and set it aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and both sugars until smooth and pale. Mix in vanilla extract. Add one egg at a time, beating well after each one until everything is well incorporated and the mixture looks fluffy.

4. Sprinkle the flour mixture into the butter mixture a bit at a time while mixing at low speed until it's fully combined. You'll have a nice dough.

5. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. You might want to do this by hand so you don't break up the chips too much.

6. Here's the fun part: Using an ice cream scoop {the kind with the little lever}, scoop out even balls of dough and place about 3-4 inches apart on your cookie sheets. These are going to be big cookies so make sure you don't overcrowd the pan, otherwise your cookies will run into one another and bake into one cookie blob. {Still just as tasty, but harder to hand out individually!}You'll most likely only be able to fit about 6 cookies on each pan.

7. Bake the cookies for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are nice and brown but the centers are still slightly soft. When you pull them out of the oven, let them rest on the cookie sheet for a few minutes to cool before scooping them with a spatula onto a wire cooling rack.

Make sure to sample one while it's warm... heaven!

*I discovered that you can omit the chocolate chips {I made one like this for my chocolate-hating hubby} and the walnuts if you aren't a fan... but what's the fun in that?? The cookies may spread a little thinner & bake a bit faster if you leave out the chips, so keep an eye on them.

Tasty Travels: NYC {Part 2} & "Hamptons Club" Sandwich

 

Part 1 of my post about my very first trip to NYC was long, it's true. But there's a lot more to tell. So, if you're game, I'll continue down memory lane and you can come along for the ride.

I left off at the morning after our night out in the city and a raucous time at McSorley's. While we were all feeling like death dragging a little the next day, we had to get up bright and early in order to catch the Hamptons Jitney for our impromptu visit to the Hamptons.

I really wanted to spend another day {or 5} in the city, but I also knew it was a fun opportunity to get to check out the Hamptons {on Labor Day weekend, no less} and stay in our friend's summer house rental. I had no idea what to expect.

We arrived at a beautiful {albeit slightly neglected}, classic shingle style home, which I was told had belonged to an artist at some point. After taking a look around at some of the unique details in and around the home, I was convinced it had to be true. I think it takes an artist to find beauty in this:


This was prominently displayed in the back yard. 

My favorite detail was this piece of furniture for wine storage. It reminded me of something out of Alice in Wonderland. Or a Salvador Dali painting. So cool. {I'm not sure if it was made by this company, but the pieces look similar, don't they?}



We spent the day lounging poolside recovering from the day before {well, ok, I was recovering... everyone else wasn't as concerned with liver failure, apparently}. Someone grabbed lunch from a nearby deli and for the first time I was introduced to the concept of adding crisp, sweet slices of apple to a savory sandwich. {I told you this was pre-blogging days... I guess my taste buds weren't as adventurous back then!} 

It was so good that for weeks after our trip I would make a wrap with the same ingredients and take it to work with me. Before we knew it, the day was over and it was time to check out Hamptons nightlife.

Our friends had planned to take us to a place called The Surf Lodge, a popular Montauk spot that I've since then seen on The Travel Channel and mentioned in several places. I was a little worried that I was under dressed for an evening Hamptons outing... after all, when I packed for the trip, I had no idea we'd end up there. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that unlike what I had envisioned in my head {Ahem Ina. Pearls. Cable knit sweaters. Popped collars, etc., etc.} it was actually a super laid back atmosphere.





Image Source

The Surf Lodge is an interesting spot. It's a bar, restaurant, and hotel all in one. It has a surfer-chic aesthetic mixed with a pinch of modern and a dash of posh. I loved the decor -- lots of white, neutrals, and natural woods & wickers mixed with bright, beachy punches of color. The inside bar and lounge area reminded me of a surf enthusiasts living room, and the outside featured a large wooden deck overlooking Fort Pond Bay and bustling with patrons sidling up to the bar {and each other} for cold libations. We spent some time in each spot, taking in the scenery {and people watching those who wanted to be seen}.



Click links for Image Sources: Left, Top Right, Bottom Right

 They also had a beach area littered with adirondack chairs and logs to sit on, with a bonfire going that was perfect for getting away from the crowd and snuggling up with your guy or gal. I have to admit that as much fun as I was having, I was exhausted and I thought about curling up by the fire and taking a nap. No one seemed to feel the need to do the same, so I sucked it up and stayed awake for the remainder of our night out.

Click links for Image Sources: Bottom Left, Right

The next day we were heading back to Florida, so we didn't have time to do too much other than enjoy the bus ride back and relax.

My first trip to New York City {and beyond} was over, but it was just the beginning of my budding love affair with The Big Apple. It took over a year for me to return, but when I did, I came ready to take on the town -- fork, knife and all. I'll be sharing the highlights of my next {longer} trip in Part 3!

Since I was so inspired by the sandwich I had during my stay in the Hamptons, I thought I'd share a "recipe" for this simple, yet delightful combo. Smokey turkey, sharp cheddar, and tart Granny Smith apple come together to create a light, fresh sandwich reminiscent of the feel of the Hamptons. Add bacon for extra crunch and saltiness, or enjoy as is... but either way, savor every bite!

"Hamptons Club" Sandwich

Inspired by The Hamptons

1 crusty baguette, ciabatta, or favorite roll {I made my own using this recipe}

Dijon mustard

2-3 slices smoked turkey breast {I like the Boar's Head Mesquite}

1-2 slices sharp white cheddar cheese

3-4 slices Granny Smith Apple, thinly sliced

A few leaves spring mix lettuce

2 slices tomato

{Optional} Your favorite jelly, bacon {cooked crisp}, etc.

1. Lightly toast your sandwich roll if desired. Spread the top with Dijon mustard. {I like to spread a little jam on my sandwich, too. It makes for a nice sweet touch. You can also use honey mustard which will have a similar effect.}

2. Place cheese and apple slices over the mustard/jam.

3. Pile some turkey onto the bottom part of the roll. Top with lettuce, tomato, and bacon if using.

4. Combine top & bottom of sandwich... and enjoy!

*This is obviously just a suggestion. Everyone makes their sandwich differently. You can certainly leave out any ingredients you aren't fond of or "build" your sandwich how you like it! But you should definitely try the apple/cheddar/turkey together... so tasty! :)

 



Tasty Travels: NYC {Part 1} & Nutella Gelato

 

When I travel, I love to take note of the places to go and things to eat so I can come back and be a good recommendation resource for anyone who might be visiting the same place. I've done a few travel recaps for you guys from my trips to Key West {Parts 1 and 2}, and Chicago {Parts 1, 2, and Bakery Edition}, and while it certainly took me a while to put them together, I managed to get them posted in a reasonable amount of time.

And then I went to New York City. Like, 4 years ago {and then again twice at the end of last year}. And I was SO excited about it, and did SO much stuff, and was SO overwhelmed by the city {in a good way} that I never sat down to write about my experiences. {I did do a little photo essay type thing here, but that barely breaks the surface!}

Well, my friends, the time has come for me to finally tell you a bit about my adventures in NYC. We'll call this segment, Prep in the City. :)

But, before we go back to the end of last year {one of my best NYC trips yet}, we're going to rewind way, way back to 2009, when I took my very first foray into the Big Apple. Steve and I were visiting his family in Ossining, and planned to spend some time in the city during our stay. So, after a few days in Westchester, we ventured into The Bronx to check out a place that I could only describe as a mecca to his family: Arthur Avenue.

I had heard of this elusive food-lover's paradise for years from Steve's relatives {they lived in New York until the 70's when they moved down to South Florida}. Whenever they'd talk about it, they'd get this dreamy, distant look in their eyes... like they were being transported back to a time and place they were trying to recapture. Whenever they had the chance to visit, they would come back bearing plastic bags filled with gifts from this magical place: loaves of crusty artisan bread wrapped in butcher paper and tied with red and white striped bakers' twine, hunks of Parmgiano Reggiano the size of my head, and links of sweet and hot sausage with a smell so potent it could knock your socks off.

These gifts were highly treasured: They might as well have been blocks of gold excavated from King Tut's tomb.

Anyway, you can imagine how excited Steve and I both were to see this with our own eyes. What we found was definitely a site to behold.

Sausage drying overhead at the Calabria Pork Store

Very quickly, I formed an opinion about this incredible place. Arthur Avenue is a beautiful assault to the senses: smells, tastes, textures, sights that take you back to a place in history where food was a craft that took time and patience and know-how. They do things old school. They are legit. There's no showboating, glossy exteriors, or false facade -- what you see is what you get. And that's exactly what makes Arthur Avenue, Arthur Avenue. 

 

{Steve's little cousin wasn't as charmed as we were by all this... she held her nose pretty much the entire time we were there. I don't know how the kid didn't asphyxiate herself. I'm not gonna lie, though, that pork store was pretty stinky.}

 

This spot, Addeo's Bakery, was much more our speed!

 

So, armed with an understanding of why Arthur Avenue is referred to as "the REAL Little Italy" {and about $100 worth of bread, cheese, and cured meats}, we went along our merry way and continued our New York adventure. {But not before stuffing our faces, of course.}

 

 

Feasting.

The next day, we took a train into the city to meet up with some friends. The plan was to spend the day exploring while everyone was at work, then enjoy an evening out, and possibly gain a tour guide to help us see the sights the following day. Luckily, our friends were ready for us and took us to a great spot for a Korean barbecue lunch.

 

Now, this was pre-foodie/blogger days, so these are the only two pictures I have. And I don't know the name of the restaurant. I also have no idea what we ate. My, my... how times have changed! What I do know is that I was completely enamoured with the experience. The little dishes of sauces, the "barbecue pit" in the middle of the table, the way the food just kept on coming... and eventually covered then entire table. It was magical.

Granted, I had no clue what I was putting in my mouth at the time. Soon after I discovered that this was where I had my first taste of kimchi {which, since then, has become a wildly popular condiment} and my first experience with haemul pajeon. {"Is that a tentacle in my pancake??"} One thing was certain, if Arthur Avenue hadn't already done it, this sealed the deal: I was in love with New York City.

 

With full bellies and our curiosity piqued, we parted with our friends and decided to take on the city, tourist style. To say 'we walked' is a gross understatement. Steve and I, and our friend Ryan who was also visiting that weekend, covered an immense amount of ground in just a handful of hours. We saw Times Square. The Statue of Liberty {from Battery Park}. Wall Street. We payed our respects at Ground Zero. Saw the Empire State Building {though we didn't go up to the top}. An artsy little underground market heaven knows where. We navigated the subways {inefficiently, but still}. Walked Chinatown. And finally, made it to the "other" Little Italy.

 

 

This, dear friends, is where I had the absolute best gelato of my entire existence. I don't know if it was the exhaustion that made it taste so good. Or the fact that I was love-drunk with the city. Or the copious amounts of Nutella that swirled throughout the sweet, creamy treat. Right there, standing in the middle of Mulberry Street, I took a little bite of heaven. {And it came from Ferrara Bakery.} 

 

Steve literally asked me if I was ok because, for the duration of my gelato experience, I didn't speak one word. Which is rare for me, y'all.

 

I am still amazed when I think back to how many miles we must have trekked that day.

 

As spent as we were, there was no way were were going to get away with laying low for the night. Nope, not with our friends. They were raring to go and ready to show us a good time. And they definitely followed through with their plans.

We arrived at McSorley's Ale House, and I wondered what in the world they were thinking. When I pictured "going out" in NYC, I envisioned swanky lounges and sleek bars. McSorely's was the polar opposite. But, never being opposed to new experience and a good bar {which is more my style than a pulsing night club, anyway}, I willingly went along for the ride and, as a result, has one of the most entertaining evenings of my life.

 

McSorley's is the oldest continuously run bar in New York City. Within its walls is one big, drunken history lesson. When we visited, there was a layer of dust about 3 inches thick covering just about ever surface that was out of arms reach. Dust that had been accumulating since its opening in 1854. The walls were plastered with historic memorabilia, the floors sprinkled with sawdust, and the tables full of patrons sipping light or dark beer {that's all they serve, folks} out of miniature beer mugs. {Since then, McSorley's was bullied into "cleaning" up, which oddly made me very sad.} P.S. Please do yourself a favor and read their History Page & Timeline.

 

Anyway, I could go on about this place because there truly is so much to talk about, but I will suffice it to say that what transpired that night was something out of a movie: a drinking game that had each of us doubled over in side-splitting laughter various times throughout the night, "challenges" that consisted of cramming McSorley's famous saltine cracker appetizer into one's mouth in record time, and an impromptu performance of The Star Spangled Banner that roused the entire bar to its feet.

 

I can't tell you too much about the rest of the night... there were lots of laughs, a stop at a hipstery lounge {pre-hipster mania}, and some late night ramen. I can tell you that the next morning was rough. And that were were awakened bright and early and informed that we were heading to The Hamptons.

 

Wait... what???

 

TO BE CONTINUED...

Until we pick up where we left off, here's a recipe for Nutella Gelato, inspired by my delicious snack in Little Italy. I can't say it's as good as the one I had from Ferrara, but as far as I'm concerned, you just can't go wrong when the words "Nutella" and "Gelato" are uttered anywhere near each other. I think you'll agree.

Nutella Gelato
Adapted from Food Network

1 cup heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Mix cream, milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar together in a saucepan and warm over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile,  add 1/4 cup of sugar to the egg yolks. Using a hand held mixer, beat the sugar & yolks until it's thick and pale yellow. It'll take about 5 minutes. You can do this in a medium bowl or whip it {whip it good! ha!} in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment if you're feeling lazy.

3. Stream about a half cup of the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking the whole time. Add the entire milk/egg mixture back into the saucepan. Continuing to whisk often, cook it on medium-low heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it's thickened. {You should be able to coat the back of a wooden spoon, draw a line down the middle with your finger and have the line stay visible. Careful not to make scrambled egg custard!}

4. Combine the Nutella and vanilla extract in a medium bowl and pour the warm mixure into the bowl, whisking together until it's uniform and well-mixed.

5. Refrigerate the mixture for a few  hours to cool it down. If you're in a rush, you can speed up the process by placing the bowl with the custard over another bowl filled with ice and a little water {an ice bath}, and whisking it in there for a while, but honestly, it's kind of a pain.

6. When the mixture is cooled, pour it into the canister of an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Churn it until it's a soft serve consistency, then transfer it into a freezer safe container {if you haven't eaten it all at this point}, and freeze to achieve a scoopable consistency.