Crêpe Cake at Lady M in NYC

I've tasted heaven and it comes in the form of crêpes.  Twenty crêpes, to be precise. Twenty, paper-thin, chocolate crêpes that are ensconced in a pastry cream that's infused with banana, to be even more precise. This is the Chocolate-Banana Mille Crêpe cake that I ate today at Lady M in The Plaza Food Hall and it is finer than 95% of the cakes I've had in all of my time on this planet.

Also, relevant fact of the day? I hate crêpes. I feel like they have the texture of what skin would taste like. Always thought that. Never saw the appeal of them. Even now, I'll still never be that woman who drags her boyfriend to some crêperie for a charming night out. Gross. But this cake? Fucking nuts. So tasty. This is the one exception I will ever make.  

A slice will set you back $8, and a whole cake runs for $80. Now, if you're a human with a normal understanding of budgets and common sense, I understand that $80 is ludicrous to pay for one, lone cake. I wouldn't dare spend that much on something that I could possibly eat whole in under five minutes. But you? Maybe you're loftier than I. Or perhaps you're just living a fuller life than most, in which case - go buy this cake. Lady M has two locations in New York, but this flavour is only available at The Plaza location. Eat this, man. Eat it now. 

Recipe - Banana Nut Pancakes

As far as breakfast foods go, I'm not the biggest fan of pancakes. I really just don't understand them. They've always seemed like bland little pieces of nothingness that are trying so hard to be cake, and failing miserably. But that's just my opinion.

However, the act of making pancakes? One of the most fun things to do in the kitchen. I did it for the first time yesterday and it made me feel... fantastic. Why the hell did I feel that way? I don't know. Maybe it was the flipping that made it fun. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't burn them on my first try. Maybe the banana smell helped? No idea. But I could've stayed there and made them for hours, so fun.

And chances are - you know someone who enjoys these guys. Those people are everywhere. And they love talking about how much they adore them. And this recipe was a really good one, I was told. (I did eat some, and thought, "Yep. Banana pancakes. I guess these are something.") But keep in mind, no pancake will ever impress me. Ain't possible. Not even with chocolate in it. 

I'll for sure make these again since the reaction to them was good - and also, since it's a lighter version of the really-bad-for-you kind of pancakes. Go try. Or better yet, go try and make any kind of pancakes! The act of making them is way more fun than the outcome. Maybe eat a piece of real cake for yourself afterward so it feels more fulfilling. 

Best Soup in Albany

One of the best soups I've ever had is the Potato & Arugula soup in Albany, NY at Elda's On Lark. If you find yourself in Albany, go eat this soup. I know, this seems like a weak post, but man... if you've tasted this baby, you'd understand where I'm coming from right now.

Honorable Mentions in the Category of Fine Soups

• Lobster Bisque at The Original Soupman in NYC
• ​French Onion at Cinema Cafe Restaurant in NYC
• Asparagus and Shrimp at Aquagrill in NYC

Arrested Development Banana Stand Coming To NYC!

Very excited.​

Tip - Make Whipped Feta

How To Make Whipped Feta (link)

​​I came across this from the blog How Sweet It Is (after stumbling upon it and spending about an hour looking and bookmarking too, too many ideas) - and if you’ve ever eaten any piece of cheese and savored that moment? Well, you gotta whip some feta and try this. Just ridiculous tasting. 

(What other stuff did I bookmark to eventually try?

• Spinach, Bacon & Artichoke Stuffed Portobellos
• Blue Cheese Mac & Cheese
• Coconut Cream Goat Cheese Cheesecake
• Banana Cream Cheesecakes
• Bean Burgers with Avocado Basil Cream

Gonna. Try. It all.)

The Chicken Pad Thai at Lovely Day in NYC

This place has the absolute best thing I’ve eaten in my life thus far. This would be part of my death meal (you know, if you were being electrocuted and you needed to choose a last meal, your death meal, dummy!). 

I do not know why it tastes so perfect. I do not know if many would agree with me in this assessment (there have been some, for sure). If pad thai is ever a thing you order when you’re out, then this is a must-eat meal when you’re in New York City. 

Been eating this for eight years now. Ain’t gonna slow down neither. You can’t stop this guy. Can’t even if you tried.

(What else would be in my death meal, you ask? What a great question. Probably a poutine from New York Fries in Canada. Not really that special, but that dark gravy? C’mon, man.)

The Frozen Yogurt at Freshii

You know the Seinfeld episode with the non-fat yogurt they all love that’s so amazing? That yogurt exists. And this is the place that sells it. F-ing GO.

It’s a billion dollars a cup (well, $6.50 for a small cup is so nutso I can’t really begin to understand that silliness, but it is a pretty big cup), and man - IT IS CRAZYDELICIOUS. I had one with strawberries and blueberries and each. damn. bite. was intense. And usually halfway through any ice cream/cold food item, I’m all “Okay, I’m good, I don’t need to finish this” - but you want to finish this and lick the cup, like, in public. I thought it was non-fat (‘cause that’s what the signs in the place say) but online it says that it’s “low-fat”, so not sure what’s up there. Go eat this guy. Crazy good. 

Shake Shack Burgers

There is no other burger that tastes like these burgers. If you find yourself in NYC, Connecticut, Florida, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania or parts of the UK, Middle East or Turkey - seek it out. And eat the hell out of one of these burgers.

Some people think it’s the patty that makes it amazing - I would suggest that its glory comes from the potato bun. Those buns are too soft. Too dainty. Too fucking tasty. I really can’t say enough good things about these burgers. They make you want to live. (Edit note: not actually. They will definitely kill you if you overindulge over many years, don’t do that.)

Just go, all right? One of the very best I’ve ever ever ever had. The lineups are worth it. If you go with someone who’s all, “This line is too long, it can’t be worth it!” - I can only advise you to spit upon that person and say, “Good day.” These burgers are definitely worth waiting for. 

Salmon Baked in Foil

Before last Monday, I had never baked any type of fish in my life. Seemed too hard to do. Like, how to to know when something’s cooked or not is the main reason I tend not to venture into uncharted cooking territory.

However, I’m a growing woman and I need to do things outside my comfort level once in awhile. Also, ya know… eating right and all that garbage helps, too. 

I made this baked salmon and it tasted outrageously good. And keep in mind that the only fish I ever really eat/enjoy is the beautiful, hella deep-fried kind like the halibut at a Canadian fish and chips place (I have to specify and say Canadian since Americans do not know what amazing fish and chips taste like. I just… I refuse to ever get on board with cod as a substitute for halibut. Cod is just inferior. Go home, cod.)

It’s really easy to make (- I made it) and it tastes like something you’d pay someone to make for you. Plus, it’s a great meal to cook if you’re looking to impress someone since it looks fancy as hell. 

Insane Salad Dressing

My dear friend Marla made this at a dinner once and it is so crazy good tasting that I’ve made it over ten times since then. It tastes better than a lot of dressings I’ve had at restaurants, for Christ’s sake. 

Not gonna get over it. You have to try it. Or, ya know, don’t. Not my issue if you don’t want to enjoy finer things.