the sweetest things

One recent afternoon in NYC included these treats:

Bar Boulud
Vanilla Rolled Cake, Berry Marmalade, Strawberry Sorbet

Strong, vibrant fruit flavor, disappointingly dry cake

Magnolia Bakery

I've tried their cupcakes before and was underwhelmed.

The cupcake of the day, however, seemed special.

I'm a sucker for anything caramel.

Though the cake was slightly dry, we gobbled it up. 

We particularly enjoyed the caramel frosting, though everything

about the cupcake was on the VERY sweet side.

Several people have told me about the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies from Levain Bakery.  

I was curious, particularly after their throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Their offerings were limited, which isn't a bad thing.  If you do a few things, do them well,

and make them fist-sized.
They were GINORMOUS.
Please, don't be dry.

They weren't.  While nibbling at the 6-ounce-cookies, I was telling The Sister how my favorite cookie in the city was Jacques Torres', and after exiting Levain and walking towards the subway, we serendipitously happened on his store, right around the corner!

 I finally realized that the "leaves" design are actually cocoa pods.

The shop is sparkly and filled with all good chocolate things—

hot chocolate mixes, chocolate covered nuts, bars, gift boxes, truffles, and, of course,

his fabulous Chocolate Chip Cookies.

You can ask for them warmed, if you like.

We like.

LEVAIN BAKERY VS. JACQUES TORRES

chunky vs. flat

rustic vs. refined

semisweet vs. bittersweet

walnuts vs. no nuts

After tasting the cookies back to back, I remain on Team Torres.  The flavor of just sweet dough/hint of salt/dark chocolate combined with the textural contrast of crisp edges and soft interior create a perfectly balanced, elegant chocolate chip cookie.  

Stay tuned for a re-creation of the cookies...