Sweet Tooth

Within walking distance of each other, these two LES spots are my fav cupcake shops in the City thus far. Despite creating the same delectable sweet treats they are as different as can be with their ingredient choices.

SUGAR SWEET SUNSHINE (126 Rivington St, btwn Essex/Norfolk St.)

The more traditional of the two, you can get a divinely flavored cupcake for only $1.50. This little indulgence would satisfy any craving with its buttery cake and smooth icing. The cafe itself is super cute with sunk in chairs perfect for a relaxing moment - the idea is unpretentious with a retro 70s vibe.


Lemon cake with lemon buttercream

BABYCAKES (248 Broome St, btwn Orchard/Ludlow St.)

I never thought I would like something vegan this much. Surprised to say it, but this has to be my all time favorite cupcake - I think it's because I'm in love with their unique spelt wheat batter which gives the cake a flavor reminiscent of malt digestive cookies. The icing veers on the lighter, airier side which means I could eat these babies all day without feeling too guilty or sickly. These baked goodies are Refined Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Soy Free, and the list goes on to cater to every specific health need. It's on the pricier end at $3.25 each but they are worth it. I feel like the cat's meow whenever I carry these cupcakes home in their ridiculously cute pink boxes with a see-through cutout showing off my treasures to the world. The seating unlike Sugar Sweet Sunshine is minimal. It's like stepping into a shoebox that belongs to fairies. Magical baker fairies.


Vanilla cake with zesty lemon icing

Crisis Relief

Hello again. So much for that thought. A gigantic backlog of mouth-watering food postings have been accumulating in my 6 month absence. Again, I am aiming to make a comeback. Although, no promises this time :)

In our dire financial situation, the bang-for-your-buck motto has reluctantly taken hold. As we pinch our wallets a little tighter, we become choosier, and maybe even a little wiser in our choices. Not only are we limited in the number of meals we can enjoy in a lifetime, the increasing risk of diminishing funds makes it our responsibility to eat out in places that guarantee awesomeness. For help check out Open Table's "Stimulus Plan".
And here's one of my recommendations:

KUTA (65 Rivington St, btwn Allen/Eldrige St.)

Named after a beachy town in Bali, Indonesia, KUTA is that ideal getaway to forget your financial woes. The prix fixe four course dinner includes 1 satay + 1 starter + 1 entree + 1 dessert - all for $25, you can feast like a king without feeling guilty.

Indonesian Madura

(sweet soy brushed flank steak + peanut sauce + crispy shallots)

Somay "Bandung"

(steamed fish shumai + tofu + potato + spicy peanut sauce)

"Manado" Spicy Duck Curry

(crispy duck + seasonal vegetables + cherry tomato + pineapple basil red curry sauce)

Sorbetto/Gelatto
(sicilian pistachio + lime cilantro)

My favorite item was the satay, which neatly exemplified the flavor explosions in Indonesian cuisine in a couple of bites. The appetizer and entree were more ordinary, but pleasant fillers. The dessert was a more memorable experience - the pistachio gelato was not the best I've had but tasted classic and done right; the lime cilantro sorbet was both sweet and salty, the combination resulted in a new, fresh tasting flavor I've never had before - a perfect ending to the heavily spiced meal. They also had a "Crusted Coconut Fried Ice Cream" option but ran out when we ordered. I may have to come back just for this.

Brunch Part I: LES

I wasn't a fan of the Lower East Side until last winter when I was inducted into its brilliance through a series of fine brunches. Here are some of my favs:

1. CLINTON ST. BAKING COMPANY (4 Clinton St.)

(Left: Biscuit sandwich w/ homemade tomato jam, Right: Blueberry pancakes)

We waited a whole 2 hours on a Sun. before getting seated at this joint, crazy huh? What's crazier is that it was worth the wait. Now, you may argue that no food is worth that kind of time investment, but let me wag my finger here because then you would be much mistaken my friend. Let me just say you have to try this place at least once in your lifetime, and if there just so happens to be a 2 hour wait then so be it. (This place serves up weekend brunch 7 days of the week, so if you're one of the fortunate few that do not work on weekdays I would suggest going then to avoid the massive sat/sun crowds).Voted as the 'best brunch' and 'pancakes' from Time Out NY and New York Mag respectively. What's so amazing is the perfectly honest home style cooking that is immaculate in taste and presentation. For example, the buttermilk pancakes come with a 'maple butter' dipping sauce that just warms and melts your insides with a giddy pleasure. Oh, and that homemade jam - so fresh, so perfectly balanced between sweet and tang - we ended up just eating it by the spoonful. They also sell their baked goodies at the front of the shop to takeout or to satisfy your hunger as you longingly wait in line to be seated. One of their tricksy strategies to keep us hanging around was by offering us samples of their magical deliciousness; it sure kept us hooked.

2. ALIAS (76 Clinton St.)

A charming little place with lovely decor and lovely prices. The impression I got from this place was fresh everything; the ingredients are seasonal and sometimes whipped up into slightly unconventional concoctions (I've tried the fried chicken on top of buttered cornmeal waffles combo, yummy). A truly worthwhile second choice if you get fed up with "Clinton St. Baking Company's" line. Brunch is served here on the weekends.

3. ESSEX (120 Essex St.)
This spacious loft-like restaurant used to be a part of the Essex St. Market before they renovated it into a hip loungey establishment. The brunch here (served on weekends) is decent; although the sub par food is made up by the cheap price ($16 brunch special) which comes with 3 drinks to boot, nothing like a bloody mary to nurse that hangover eh?

However, I much prefer this place at night when the food quality is generally better and when there is usually no line to be seated. Furthermore, this place is chock-full of seafood specials I love!

- Tuesday: Unlimited mussels fries $14 and 1/2 price drinks (6-9): I've been here twice for this and my my you can really utilize your 4 stomachs, if you have more than one (note the 'UNLIMITED'). The mussel soup base is nice and savory while the fries are some of the best I've had - thick, fresh, crispy on the outside and steaming soft on the inside.
- Wednesday: Whole maine lobster for $16 and 1/2 prince drinks (6-9): The lobster was surprisingly large, sweet, springy and fresh for the price - delish!
- Thursday: $1 oysters all night and 1/2 price drinks (6-9): I have yet to try the oysters.