A croissant and a donut walk into a bar.

This morning my roommates and I woke at 5am to go stand in line at Dominique Ansel's Bakery in SoHo for the exclusive and limitedly available FAMOUS cronut. Exclusivity rating: they only make about 300-400 per day and sell out within 2 hours of opening. If you don't know what a cronut is, it is precisely what it sounds like, a donut and croissant hybrid coated in sugar. Dominique's not only invented the cronut, but they also trademarked the name so it's obviously super special. Catch my sarcasm? 

After waiting in line from 6am to when they opened at 8am and being the 5th person in line (if only it were for Beyonce tickets) we finally got our grubby little fingers on the damn dessert. 

And my reaction? Meh. Whaaaaaaaat? I know, I was kind of surprised too because I LOVE croissants. and I especially LOVE donuts. So what's my ish? Truthfully, I think the process of having to wake up at such a god awful hour and wait in line for so long resulted in my having very high expectations. And I mean VERY high. 

Yes, the cronut had a good flavor, and I was surprised that I like the flavor given that July's featured cronut is Cherry Amarreto and I normally hate cherry flavored things, but my issue wasn't in the flavor, it was in the texture I guess? The cronut was much harder and chewier than I expected and I certainly had a hell of a time cutting it with my plastic knife. Somehow I expected buttery, flaky layers that fell apart and melted in my mouth. Is that normal? 

Would I suggest others to follow in my crazy footsteps and make the 6am trek to SoHo and wait in line for 2 hours for a damn donut?! My answer is yes if, you want to experience the craziness that comes from waiting in line for 2 hours at 6am while also having bragging rights for getting to eat the "real and original" cronut. My answer is no if, you think it's going to be the most amazing culinary donut eating experience and you'll do anything to give your taste buds the ride of their life. 

I don't regret doing it. What else is a 21 year old who's living in New York City for the summer supposed to do at 6am on a Monday? Sleeeeeeep?! Pshh. 

And there we have it: The Dominique Ansel Cherry Amarreto cronut in all of it's sugary glory.

NYC Communities: Chess Players in Union Square

“Like basketball, chess hustling is a city game — fast and gritty and played on street corners and in parks with the throb of street life as a backdrop.” -New York Times

Union Square wasn’t always a hub for chess playing. Many of the 

best players are known to have played in other parks such as Bobby

Fischer in Washington Square Park. But many of the players flocked 

from Washington to Union Square when they realized how much more 

lucrative it was in Union Square compared to Washington Square. Union 

Square sees much more traffic due to the multiple subways stations 

around it, the farmer’s market, and shopping attractions such as the 

grocery stores. Where as the former outdoor chess groups played 

more for experience and variety, there became shift where the matches 

evolved into matters of bets and playing for donations. A lot of players

left Washington Square also due to an increase in drug activity, though

that activity has shifted to Union Square as well.

Since I’ve been staying in Union Square this past summer, I’ve had the luxury of passing by the park almost every day. The excitement and life that exists there is like a microcosm for the city--many different people, cultures, and generations of people all together in a single small space, living separately and together all at the same time. Let’s face it, being in New York, it is impossible to be alone, unaffected by those around us. As much as we might want to isolate ourselves, the nuances and characters of those surrounding us seep into our worlds and we can either accept it or get out.

Everyday as I’ve walked past the square, I’ve always been intrigued by the different people. There exists the boys who play soccer and other sports, musicians trying to gain some listeners, friends relaxing on the steps while they talk and enjoy an ice cream, and of course we can’t forget about the chess players. The chess players of Union Square are a mishmosh of different characters, but they’ve created a community within their passion for chess. When I walk past, there’s always one or two that asks me to play and I always meekly decline, scared of what might happen if I said yes. In truth I’ve always found the chess players intimidating--after all I don’t know the first thing about chess and have conceived the skill as a  sign of genius due to my inability to grasp the game. When I walk past, I tell myself that they are apart of the secret club and share the power of chess comprehension. But I didn’t want to always be afraid of these chess players. After all how different are we? Yes, they are typically all men and of African American descent and I am a white Jewish girl, but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t get along, right?

I decided for my community project I wanted to have one of the chess players teach me how to play. I met Barry one evening when I was walking past and finally found the gumption to go up to one them. He seemed open and friendly and we started talking. He told me that he is in Union Square almost everyday playing chess, sometimes until three or four in the morning. While he loves the game and enjoys competing against other players, Barry’s true love is for teaching others how to play chess and it’s how he makes his living. I decided then that I wanted a private chess lesson with Barry. For $20, he said he would give me an hour of his time and teach me some of his favorite strategies for chess. I took it as a worthwhile investment.

We met the next evening and he started off telling me what each piece represents, the way they move throughout the game, and their value. From there he taught me about opening moves, the strength that comes from getting valuable pieces into the board and knowing how to protect your king. I always thought that in order to be a good chess player you had to know how to strategize. I thought that you had to have all of your moves planned out in advance and know exactly how you’re going to attack. But I think chess is more about constant adjustment, as in life. We can’t plan out our entire lives and expect it to not be unaffected by other individuals, it’s not practical. Rather in chess, it’s about putting your best pieces forward and putting your opponent under constant stress. In truth, it is a vicious game, full of attack, fear, and ruthlessness. Some might say you need these qualities to truly make it in life; I don’t necessarily agree.

Our lesson went from being an hour to close to two hours, but Barry didn’t mind. He was so enthusiastic about everything he was instructing, I wanted to just keep playing and learning different chess moves. Having Barry teach me how to play chess made me realize that while yes we our outwardly very different and we have very different lives, that does not we are unable to connect in some way or another. Being in this city of diversity has made me realize that while I may feel isolated and lonely, in truth I’m connected to everyone even if I don’t realize it.

 

NYC Streams: MTA

When one goes into the subway station, it very rarely is in the objective to wander, look at the architecture, or hear a performer trying to make a few bucks. The subway is dirty, broiling in the summer and freezing in the winter. Around rush hour it is full of travelers moving in all different directions so it is understandable why someone would want to spend as little time as possible in the underground tunnels. But as everyone is rushing to catch the subway in order to get to street level as quick as possible, many are unaware of the unique art that can be found in some stations. Oftentimes blending into the dirt and grime that is the MTA, it is easy to overlook each station’s unique attributes, even I had trouble seeing when I knew what to be looking for.

Many might not realize, but Astor Place station in the Lower East Side holds a historical significance. The station while small and only used for the Lexington Avenue line, is named after John Jacob Astor, a man who created a fortune in the beaver pelt trade. In honor of Astor’s trademark, the station is lined with beavers across the back wall. Even though I was looking specifically for the beaver, the art blended in with the rest of the subway surroundings so well I almost overlooked it. Years later, the art plays homage to the great John Jacob Astor and his prosperous beaver pelt business.

When Coney Island was first built up, it became an easy escape from the chaos of Manhattan. New Yorkers who couldn’t afford to travel far could easily hop over to Coney Island, enjoy the beach, boardwalk, and eventually amusement rides. It only makes sense that the subway station in Coney Island would reflect the island’s whimsy and fun escape. “My Coney Island Baby” created by Robert Wilson in 2004 can be found as you walk through the Stillwell Avenue terminal. The giant piece of art boasts bright animated colors, a giant hotdog playing homage to the birthplace of Nathan’s, a girl on a carousel horse, as well as pieces that touch into the island’s residential neighborhoods. The beautiful piece is silk screened onto glass bricks and is makes the colors bright and bold as the sun shines during the day, while illuminating the piece with a glow at night.

The 42nd Street Times Square station is possibly the most busiest station in Manhattan due to it’s location and the many lines that run through it. Walking through, I see travellers bustling about and going in every direction, I’m curious if they see the artwork surrounding them. One piece was created by Roy Lichtenstein in 1994 and is a mural portrait of a futuristic New York. The piece resembles something that might come out of comic book with bright red and yellow colors, and visual references to the 1939 and 1964 New York World's Fairs. Another piece I found intriguing was a sort of mosaic displaying a “42” with people inside the numbers which is probably the most well known numbered street in the city.

I wasn’t even looking for art when I happened upon a little gold sculpture in the 14th Street station on 8th Avenue. I looked down and saw a little man and woman holding a token in the corner of the station. I was delighted by the adorableness and was even more excited that I kept seeing more and more of this interesting characters. In a way, they blend into the surrounding by depicting real people in various acts and positions, but are whimsical and endearing at the same time. The sculptures were created by Tom Otterness and the installation is called “Life Underground.” While the statues may seem cute and tiny, in truth the artist had a darker idea in mind when creating them and wanted to describe the realities of New York life and social anarchy.

I can't help but find them to be so adorable. 

Bryant Park is situated behind the glorious New York Public Library and is a quintessential park offering free outdoor movies on Monday evenings in the summer, free board games and reading section, and a few food vendors. Not far from the park is the Bryant Park station which is home to the largest piece of artwork in the MTA system. The piece, created by Sam Kunse in 2002, is titled “Under Bryant Park” and is a mosaic featuring water pipes, tree roots and branches and rocks which are meant to represent the different systems found in nature and our society. On part of the mosaic there is a quote that states “Nature must not win the game” which quite frankly I don’t understand because I think nature should always be above everything else and is the most vital part of our civilization and survival.  

NYC Streams: Bakeries

Dessert has always been my favorite part of a meal, so a shop that dedicates its existence to pumping out delicious treats is a place I want to stop by. New York City is home to many famous bakeries and is where many desserts have been born. Deciding to do bakeries as a stream was a no brainer--I was already stopping at every sweet shop I passed by. Through my explorations I loved seeing how each shop was funky and different in their unique ways. They each had their own sense of character, of establishment, and love that vibrated through their sugar sweets and into my heart.

Magnolia Bakery is perhaps New York City’s most infamous bakery and we can all thank Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Since Carrie and Miranda were spotted grabbing cupcakes from the store, visitors have been non stop. There are now a few locations scattered around the city, but the original store is still on Bleecker Street. The inside is something straight out of my mother’s childhood--retro 1950’s kitchen decor with adorable mix-matched cake plates, old kitchen-aid mixers, and soft curtains. I had gone there on a rainy friday evening after my roommates were craving their banana pudding and were perfectly willing to prance through the rain to get some. When we got there, I was besides myself with what to order, a typical predicament I have at these types of places. I considered a cupcake since that’s what they’re famous for, but I just wasn’t in a cupcake mood. Then I happened upon a tray of samples--something by the name of magic bars. With one bite I was in heaven and new I had fell into sugary indulgence love. The chewy bar consisted of coconut, walnuts, and caramel all baked within. The toasty flavor of it reminded me of camping as a girl scout. I truly believe Magnolia Bakery is one of those great spots that was ruined by fame. Not to say that their products aren’t as good, but I fear that the tourist attraction it brings is enough to push New Yorkers away from the excitement and excessively long lines. Or you can be like me and go on a Friday night in the pouring rain where it can be just you and the delicious magic bar.

Proportion comparison.

We all know that when it comes to cupcakes, there are regular sized cupcakes, there are jumbo sized cupcakes, and then there are miniature sized cupcakes. Well Baked by Melissa sells only miniature miniature cupcakes. They are approximately the size of my thumb and that is not an exaggeration. Baked by Melissa can be found all over the city, so it’s quite possible someone might pass by, see the itty bitty bites in their glass display case, and feel the need to indulge in the $1.00 per cupcake offering. Or at least that’s how it happened for me. What's great about this place is the fact that their cupcakes are so small and they provide so many interesting flavor combinations that one can sample and try different ones without feeling like you’ve entered a cupcake coma. Awesome flavors include “pink velvet”and “smores” among many others. While they don’t sell anything besides their signature small cupcakes, Baked by Melissa is a great spot to easily pop into for a small treat that won't break the bank or make you feel too guilty for treating yourself.

Established in 1927, you could say that Zaro’s Bakery has made a namesake for itself. Though it hasn’t branched outside of the big apple (unless you count Newark Penn Station) the italian bakery can be found throughout the city for all your sweets and bread needs. When I went to check out the store in Grand Central Terminal, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to try, but I settled on a giant rainbow sprinkled cookie. The cookie was almost the size of my face and tasted like a shortbread type cookie. It was simple, not exotic, and very italian traditional. I like visiting Zaro’s because I could feel the family history of the recipes and strong influence of New York culture. This place is distinctly New York and wouldn’t fit in anywhere else.

Since coming to New York, I’ve been on the hunt for an authentic Jewish bakery. Where I am from, we don’t have any Jewish bakeries, and I thought I would have to travel to Brooklyn to get the real deal. Lucky for me, I happened to find a kosher spot not far from where I’m staying in Union Square. In the East Village, there lives Moishe’s Bake Shop. From the outside, the store is some what grungy, with an overly outdated sign and graffiti splattered across the door and windows. When I entered, the shop was small and dingy with two long cases filled with all different cookies and breads. Everything about the shop was all business and they certainly weren’t about creating an ambiance. I ordered a quarter pound of assorted cookies and two hamentashen that were the size of my palm. The bakery is so old fashioned, it maintain cheap prices and only accepts cash. This place certainly doesn’t maintain any sort of outwardly attractiveness. Passersby most likely wouldn’t give it a second glance when surrounded by so many other flashy stores and eateries. Moishe’s is truly a kosher gem, offering authentic treats while staying affordable and traditional.

Don't be fooled by its unattractive outward appearance. 

They’re famous for the invention of the cronut (croissant and donut hybrid), and while tourists and New Yorkers flock to the bakery in order to line up an hour before opening in hopes of getting the coveted cronut, which sells out almost immediately each day, Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring Street in SoHo is a sophisticated bakery offering many exotic treats. The shop was long and narrow and provided an adorable outdoor patio for sipping coffee and nibbling on sweet treats. Besides their french baked goods, Dominique's also offers soups and sandwiches for more a lunchtime fare. When I came to the bakery at 12 pm on a Tuesday, the store was bustling with customers. I knew I was clearly too late to snag a cronut, only the early birds get that advantage, and sadly I was too early for Dominique’s other unique offering--their cookie shot which is a homemade shot glass shaped chocolate chip cookie filled with milk, so I decided on a flourless chocolate cookie and exquisite cream puff that was filled with a sweet honey cream and topped with white chocolate and a lavender glaze. Both were amazing and not overly expensive. I would love to return for a sandwich and enjoy their private patio. I might even be crazy enough to get there at 7 am for a cronut. Hey, you only live once.

How can I choose just one?

A little piece of Paris in Manhattan.

I honestly have no way to describe the bakery branch off of Momofuku than to simply call it cool. Milk Bar, with six locations in NYC and one in Toronto, offers treats reminiscent of that grandmother who knew how to make super kooky, but super delicious treats. Eating the goods at Milk Bar makes me want to sit at home on a saturday morning in pajamas watching cartoons until noon, especially after tasting their famous cereal milk soft serve which weirdly tastes just like the sweetened milk left over after a bowl of frosted flakes. Other goods there include crack pie which apparently is so good and addicting its scary, and their cookies which are super buttery and delicious. My favorite cookie is by far the compost which is made with coffee grounds, crushed potato chips, sprinkles, and pretzels among other ingredients. The best part about Milk Bar is that they are not shy about sharing their secret recipes and include many of them on their website for free as well as in their cookbook. They even hold baking classes though they are on the pricey side. Overall, Momofuku Milk Bar is young and hip, but offers funky treats that overloaded with butter, sugar, and all the best ingredients.

A quirky cool chalkboard to display their menu. 

They even sell mixes of their cookies for lazy bakers.

NYC Streams: Bookstores

The biggest nook station
 I have ever seen.

Beautiful pillars throughout
the store.

For me, going to bookstores has never been about the actual act of buying books, but rather the experience of entering a realm that simply puts me in the mood to plop down on an oversized chair and just read. To be honest I think it’s ironic how successful bookstores are when there exists free libraries in almost every town. But I think the difference between libraries and bookstores is the feeling of luxury one feels upon starting a new book, with its cover shiny and clean, and the spine waiting to be broken in. It’s like bottle water versus tap, they both provide hydration, but one just feels like it quenches your thirst a little better. With that said, I think there’s a big difference from the big-boxed chain book retailers to the small shops with lots of individual character. The Barnes and Nobles in Union Square is quite possibly the largest bookstore I’ve ever been in. It maintained the same qualities that can be found in every Barnes and Noble across the nation--the nook station, a starbucks cafe, dark bookshelves and ivy green walls, though it had some quirks I found adoring, such as these stone pillars that can be found all throughout the store as if they are some sort of support for the building. I couldn’t believe the store had four floors which is great in finding that obscure book you just can’t wait two days for Amazon to ship, though I feel like the magnitude of the space can become overwhelming and hinder my ability to relax and enjoy reading. The commotion of the people and the traffic that moves in and out makes it more of a shop and go, rather than a browse and wander type place.

The Strand, however, was a completely different book retailer. I had never been to the Strand before, but I was pleasantly surprised by it’s nooks and crannies, and overall feeling of clutter that I find welcoming in independent book shops. The Strand was also immense in scale like Barnes and Nobles, with multiple floors and books as far as the eye can see. What I found endearing about The Strand was the quirky novelty items they sold, the hidden little alcove that housed their greeting cards, the yellow arrows on the ground that seemed to be offering no specific sense of direction, and of course their used book section. The Strand is definitely a place I can see myself getting lost in, unable to escape for hours and I would certainly be okay with that.

Not far from The Strand, right around the corner from Washington Square Park lives the Shakespeare Book Company, whose patrons consist I’m sure of mostly NYU students.  The shop was small, one open room with books that lined the walls and then were set up on tables scattered throughout the shop. Sadly, there was not any seating available for reading. The selection was very small, and I was sad to see that they only carried four books on photography. Though I liked how they displayed certain books as being favorite picks of the employees. It added a touch of personality and individuality that the other bookstores lacked. Being so close to The Strand, I’m curious how the Shakespeare does with keeping clientele. After all, The Strand houses many many more books while still maintaining that independent bookstore flair.

Those clouds!

The childlike touches make
this bookstore.

I did not realize before entering Books of Wonder that it was strictly a children’s bookstore, and I was pleasantly surprised as I didn’t think they existed anymore. The store was quaint with its revolving door and hand painted characters that welcomed me into the store. While it was closed at the time, there is also an adorable little cafe that feels like it fell straight out of a fairytale dream. The tables and chairs were made of real wood and puffy clouds floated mid air. All in all, the only word I can really use to describe the store and cafe is adorable. It’s a place made for kids and the young at heart who just want to escape into a fairytale.

Bauman’s Rare Books is like the Cafe Sabarsky’s of bookstore--not where I belong. Entering the absurdly quiet and empty store, I felt like I was entering an old law office with its leather couch set off to the side and a long wooden table in the middle. The books stood behind glass, but I didn’t dare try to get a hold of one after seeing their price tags. Many were first editions and cost up to $35,000. The bookstore is clearly set for extremely wealthy book collectors or people who have too much money and not enough places to spend it. After spending about five minutes in the store, I truly understood how out of place I was and I quickly excused myself out of sheer embarrassment.

NYC Streams: Coffee Shops

What makes a coffee shop? We can all agree on the fact that it typically is the coffee that separates the mediocre shops from the hidden gems. The freshness of the beans, the skills of the barista, even the milk selections can make or break the promise of a return visit. Personally, I can seriously appreciate a good cup of joe even though I am by no means a coffee connoisseur, nor even someone who can’t go a day without the coffee fix. For me, coffee has always been a treat; something I look forward to enjoying followed by the rush of jitters I always experience. When I get a bad coffee, I’m seriously disappointed because coffee for me is not an addiction, it’s a pleasure.

Sampling and exploring the different coffee shops around Manhattan has made me realize the many different nuances  one can find within a small coffee joint. From the wooden floors, to the mix-matched seating options, even the type of music playing all attribute to the coffee drinking experience. I’ve always felt most comfortable in shops that give off a homey feel--something with dim lighting, rustic wood paneling, and handpainted coffee cups have always been my vice. I found this comfort inside 71 Irving Place which luckily is not far from where I’m living in Union Square. To get to the shop, one must go down a few steps in the low ceilinged room with a small seating area and a long bar. Besides their assorted coffee and tea beverages, the shop hosts sweet treats including vegan and gluten free options which is always appreciated by every young hipster alike. The clientele is what one might expect, young professionals and college kids, either on their laptops or chatting with friends. I did notice a few older patrons, but even they didn’t appear out of place.

Just look at those homemade tasty cakes!

Another Irving Farm can be found in the center of Grand Central Terminal’s eating concourse. Contrasting with the location on Irving Place, the Grand Central location hosts a circular coffee hub which can be reached by busy travelers in need of a coffee fix from any direction. The interesting round shaped cafe is surrounded by tables and benches while keeping a very open atmosphere. All in all, it felt like the coffee stand stood as the central point in the dining concourse, not very different from the clock in the main terminal, a very interesting juxtaposition.

Who doesn't love rice krispies that size? 

Centrally located for busy travelers. 

A little hole in the wall that can be easy to pass by.

Another Grand Central gem that can be found is Joe’s Cafe, though it is not so quick to find as Irving Farm is. Pushed off to the side down a hallway away from the main dining concourse, Joe’s is a little hole in the wall that doesn’t offer much visually besides a counter for ordering. There isn’t any seating area, which really isn’t necessary in Grand Central when everyone is almost always on the move. The coffee selection was typical, nothing that jumped out at me as being overly impressive. Honestly I think if I was in Grand Central and in need of coffee, I would probably attend Irving Farm over Joe’s simply due to easier accessibility and more eating and seating options. Sometimes, it’s all about convenience.

Though I noticed there are a few Think Coffees around the city, the one I attended was on Bleecker street right north of Houston (would that make is NOHO?). The shop reminded me of 71 Irving Place, being a small joint with personality. The music was eclectic like Irving Place and the dessert options also offered Gluten-free/Vegan alternatives. What I found most unique about Think Coffee was their selection of grilled cheeses which came piping hot with melted cheese oozing out the sides of the toast. Not a bad choice of snack when doing work if I do say so myself.

A hot cup of tea to warm up chilly evenings.  

A nice place to meet up with someone while being centrally located in NoHo

After visiting Think Coffee, I went directly to Caffe Dante for some authentic italian dessert. I was by no means disappointed by my choice--a chocolate souffle, heated up and melting rich chocolate with a scoop of hazelnut gelato on top. The dessert was as sweet and decadent as I hoped as I pretended I was sitting in a far corner of Italy, hidden from the rest of the world. The inside of the cafe was completely empty with all of its patrons sitting at the tables outside on the sidewalk. They all appeared to be Italian, there clearly for its authenticity. The ambiance of the cafe/restaurant was nothing overly impressive though it was nice enough. Caffe Dante should be treasured for its history, having been open since 1915, as well as its strong Italian roots as its been run by the Flotta family for the last 40 years.

This tasted as amazing as it looks.

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt as out of place as I did upon entering Cafe Sabarsky in the Upper East Side one early Saturday morning. After all, it required a metal detector and a bag check to enter and I had a toothpaste stain on my shirt that morning. After entering and trying to blend in, I simply ordered a cappuccino because it was truthfully all I could afford and what I had time for. The coffee was okay, but I wasn’t over impressed by its  flavor. The cakes that lined the wall under exquisite glass covers certainly caught my eye, and at over $9 for a slice, I can only hope are worth the price. The ambiance of the cafe is what most impressed me. From the marble fireplace to the piano to the high arching windows that let in a nice amount of sunlight coming off of the edge of Central Park. The waiters were dressed extremely formally, wearing white button downs and fitted black vests. The clientele, is what I would expect--older professionals and retired folk who have come for breakfast or just to read the newspaper and enjoy the peace and quiet. This is a place I would love to take my mom and share a piece of cake and marvel at the cafe’s fanciness.

So much cake, so little time.