Eddie's Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, Queens

This is definitely one of my favourite ice cream shops in New York City. It really feels like it fell out of the 1950s and somehow managed to stay afloat all these years. You can even sit at the counter! Like at Pop Tate's!

Jenn and I went here recently so that I could finally try an egg cream. Despite its name, it contains neither eggs nor cream - it's a beverage consisting of milk, carbonated water and chocolate syrup. What does it taste like? I would classify it as a lighter milkshake (ie. delightful). 

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I've wanted to try one of these for years and it didn't disappoint. I'm not sure if it's mainly something you can order in New York or if they're as popular in other states, but if you find yourself in this part of Queens, you should really try one. 

Greenwich Letterpress in NYC

The other day (on my to Dominique Ansel Kitchen), I stumbled upon this card shop in the West Village that I'd never even heard of (and, if you know me, you should be well aware that I'm a dominant figure in the greeting-card-store scene*). They've had a storefront since 2005 and surprise, surprise - it's great!

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They sell a lot of independently published greeting cards (ie. the best ones), some stationary, wall decor, etc. If you find yourself on Christopher Street, you should definitely stop inside. 

*Yes, there is a greeting-card-store scene and no I'm not embarrassed to be in it.

Burrata Ice Cream

Dominique Ansel is famous for his cronuts, but this summer his burrata ice cream is the thing that has captured my heart. Here are the two current flavours available (in soft serve) at Dominique Ansel Kitchen.

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I was so excited to try this that I had planned it all out. I intended on eating it slow and lovingly but since it's soft serve and the summertime, I needed to lick fast. And even as it melts through your hands and onto whatever you're wearing, it's still worth it. It really f-ing tastes like burrata. What the hell? Amazing. Such a good day. I even met the man himself!

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He was nice as hell and he's a genius. If you find yourself in the West Village, you gotta try this soft serve.

Frozen Hot Chocolate at Astor Bake Shop

I had been hearing about this damn frozen hot chocolate for MONTHS, so I finally made the long-ass trek from the N train and tried it. Here's what was presented upon ordering.

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I mean, c'mon. You know that's gonna taste fantastic. YOU KNOW THIS ALREADY. I'm really just here to bask in the fact that I've tried it and you haven't.

Is it worth the walk from the train? In the summer, yes. In the winter? Hard call. I really need to try some of the other menu options to make an informed decision. But honestly, it bodes well to see this truck (below) making deliveries out front. (I would trust Pat LaFrieda with my life - no wait, that's too dramatic a statement. I trust him with my meat. Yeah, my meat. ALL MY MEAT. Man's a genius.)

Meat aside, I have to go back here. And I will report back.

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Barnes & Noble Author Events

Have you ever gone to a Barnes & Noble event? It's kind of amazing that they're even offered. They're usually free, too (sometimes they make you buy the book of the author who's appearing, but that's still a sweet deal). I've only gone to a few of them, but haven't had a bad experience yet. You could meet a president! Anyway, if you're in New York City especially, you'd be a weirdo not to glance at their upcoming guests list every few months or so. 

I met (the handsome) President Carter this morning and honestly he's as nice as he was on The Simpsons. #barnesandnoble #bookoftheday

A photo posted by Liz Heather (@lizheather) on Jul 7, 2015 at 12:26pm PDT

Sweet Jane's in Astoria

The fact that dairy-free ice cream can have the capability to be delicious is proof of a higher power. I'm sorry, it is.

I finally ventured over to Sweet Jane's on 24th Avenue the other night around 10:10pm, just to witness the door locked up tight and someone sweeping up inside. I never had any intention of asking to be let in, but I locked eyes with the gentleman inside and somehow, someway - he motioned for me (and my friend) to come on inside.

He introduced us to Sweet Jane herself and then she proceeded to LET US TRY BASICALLY EVERYTHING. Why? I have no idea. But in my experience, if something amazing is about to happen to you - don't interrupt. Everything that happened next was magical. We tried dairy and gluten-free flavours (like Key Lime Pie, Thin Mint, Peanut Butter) as well as their full-ass-dairy gems (like Cappuccino Kahlua and Salty Caramel Pretzel) in addition to their heavenly Fudgestickle that's better than any frozen treat I've had on a stick before IN LIFE (is it fudgestickle or fudgesickle (?) - 'cause I've seen both spellings on their main board).

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Jane! The real Jane!

I don't know how we got lucky enough to have a behind-the-scenes night at this gem of an ice cream shop, but thank you immensely for having us, Jane! We'll absolutely never forget it. 

And as far as ice cream places go, this is by far the best one I've ever been to in Queens. Maybe even in NYC. There's no reason for you not to check it out this summer. 

The Brooklyn Cyclones Salute to Seinfeld Night 2

Remember last year's Seinfeld night at MCU Park? Well, they're doing it again this Sunday if you missed the one last year.

The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Little Jerry Bobblebeak (shown above). These are expected to go fast so they recommend arriving as early as possible. Gates will open at 3:30 PM for the 5:00 PM game. 

Highlights of the day will include:

• Elaine dancing contest
• Costanza trash eating
• Fusili Jerry craft table
• Muffin top eating contest
• Running errands for Mr. Pitt
• Pretzel eating contest

You'll be eligible to throw out the first pitch if your last name Cartwright, if you wear an 8-Ball Jacket like Putty, if you're an importer/exporter or if your last name Drake.

Steve Hytner (Kenny Bania) will be posing for photos and taking pictures with fans from the third inning – the 7th inning on the concourse at MCU Park. It's encouraged to bring some Ovaltine, he’ll sign it for you.

The Cyclones will be wearing special on-field jerseys inspired by Kramer’s Techni-color Dream Coat. They'll be raffling the jerseys off throughout the game – you can purchase raffle tickets on the concourse at the info table or through one of our Beach Bums who will be roaming the stands. If you aren’t lucky enough to win, we will have additional game worn jerseys up for auction at CyclonesAuthentics.com starting on Tuesday, July 7th. 

Tickets are still available for the game, and start at just $10. They are available over here, calling 718 – 507- TIXX, or at the MCU Park Box Office.

Things To Do In July in NYC

There are always so many "What To Do In July" posts that always have the same, summery suggestions that I see every year (go to the beach, have a picnic in the park, see the fireworks, blah blah blah). So I thought I'd write a list of stuff that I'd actually like to do (and most of it I will do! Not all, 'cause of budgetary restraints, but most). Off we go.

Wednesday July 1st (Canada Day) - What better way to spend the holiday than by watching Alive, which arrives on (American) Netflix today?! (Okay, there are probably tons of better ways to celebrate the day - but I really can't wait to watch this movie again. I only saw it once when I was a kid and I feel like it might be a good time?) But if that's not up your alley, I recommend getting a poutine from Mile End to celebrate the day.

Wednesday July 1st - Today also marks the re-opening of the Guggenheim Museum's Kandinsky collection, which has been closed since April 1st and features some of the most important woodcuts and paintings in the artist's entire body of work. The exhibit re-opens today at 10am at the Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave, Manhattan, admission is $25 (or you can wait until any Saturday to go since it's Pay-What-You-Wish from 5:45pm - 7:15pm on Saturdays).

Saturday July 4th - Astoria Greenmarket has re-opened for the season, so I'll definitely be heading over here for the best goddam corn-on-the-cob OF LIFE. Open from 8am - 4pm.

Monday July 6th - Saturday July 11th - Lincoln Center Presents: Danny Elfman's Music From the Films of Tim Burton (!) - I know the tickets for this are a little steep since it's at Lincoln Center ($90+), but there's a sale right now where they're $49/per person over at Goldstar. 

Tuesday July 7th - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is having a book signing & reading at Barnes & Noble (555 Fifth Avenue store) to promote his new book, A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety. You can arrive at 9am to purchase the book and receive a wristband for the 12pm event. 

Tuesday July 7th, Tuesday July 14th, Tuesday July 21st, Tuesday July 28th - Stargazing on the High Line - There are telescopes set up and anyone can join in for free. From dusk until 11pm at West 14th Street.

Sunday July 12th - Bastille Day in NYC - Held on three avenue blocks closed to traffic, the day offers French classics like crêpes, cheeses, macarons & more as well as musicians and other French-centric activities. East 60th Street between Fifth Avenue and Lexington Avenue, 12pm - 5pm.

Tuesday July 14th - Astoria Bookshop is celebrating the release of one of 2015’s most anticipated books, Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee, with a Southern-inspired cocktail hour from 5pm - 7pm.

Sunday July 19th - Barkfest - It's basically a dog block party of sorts. Kind of sounds amazing or terrifying, I can't decide. Runs from 2pm - 9pm.

12 Things I'm Doing This Summer

Summer has officially begun, so I think it makes sense to have a summer must-do list. Is it obvious that I love lists? I have tons of different kinds of lists going - movies to watch, work stuff that needs to be done, etc. But here's what my summer list looks like this year. Keep in mind, a lot of it is food/fun-based (AS ALL SUMMER LISTS SHOULD BE). Also, make one of your own! Otherwise I promise you that this summer will just pass you by.

SUMMER 2015

1. Try the frozen hot chocolate at Astor Bake Shop (Queens)
2. Finally visit the rooftop across the street - there's a hotel across the street from me that has a rooftop bar that I've always wanted to go to but never have (Queens)
3. Finally eat a Nanaimo bar for the first time (Toronto)
4. Go to City Island (Bronx)
5. Go to Montauk (Montauk)
6. See this year's installation at the rooftop at The Met (Manhattan)
7. Successfully grow something in my backyard (Queens)
8. Check out the Jefferson Market Garden (Manhattan)
9. Get the burrata ice cream at Dominique Ansel (Manhattan)
10. See a movie at that gorgeous AMC on the UWS @ 84 street (Manhattan)
11. Try an egg cream in Forest Hills (Queens)
12. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe cottage (Bronx)

Possible Blogs Posts To Do: Photograph Each Hour For A Day, Outfit Of The Day posts, Vlog!

Levain Bakery in NYC

I've been hearing things about Levain Bakery for years now, so when I found myself on the Upper West Side the other day - I had to see what all the fuss was about.

And I get it. These cookies are three dimensional and crazy good. The kind of crazy good that takes you two days to eat to completion.  

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The inside of this monstrous cookie

I got the chocolate-walnut one for myself and the dark chocolate peanut butter chip one for Nathan (which to be quite truthful, took three days to devour). The shop itself is small and vaguely reminded me of the interior of the soup nazi's shop on Seinfeld. There's always a line that goes out the door, but they move so swiftly that waiting in that line is hardly an issue.

Definitely try these cookies if you find yourself nearby!