Smush “The NY Deli of Desserts”

 

Shown Above:  2 Oreo cookies, chocolate ice cream, sliced swirl fudge, bananas, marshmallow spread

Smush  is a pop up shop located across the street from Bryant Park that has elevated the traditional ice cream sandwich with their play on the traditional deli concept.  Instead of bread = loaf shaped cookies - Instead of meat - ice cream, Instead of cheese = homemade fudge, Instead of toppings = pretzels, strawberries, bananas..., Instead of condiments = marshmallow fluff, nutella, caramel...and the list goes on. Create your own or choose from eight signature creations.

LOCATION: 28 West 40th Street (Between 5th & 6th Ave)

NEAREST TRANSIT: (B,D,F,M) (S) (7)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.gotsmush.com/

Sorella

Sorella is a small Italian wine bar and eatery located on Allen Street in the lower east side.  The decor takes a minimalist approach utilizing dim lit candles and the small glass roof in the back room to set the tone.  Service is enhanced or hindered depending how you perceive it, by the small glasses which require continuous refill sip after sip.

Upon suggestion from the waitress, the first course of the night was the Pate di Fegato (duck fat english muffin bread, chicken liver mousse, fried egg, bacon).  While highly recommended and aesthetically pleasing, the over bearing taste of the mound of mousse made this dish the lowest ranking of the evening.  Fast forward to the entrees.  Both shown on the top tear above the Gnocchi - Casterlrosso cream sauce, brown butter pears and chives ($13) along with the Tajarin - Lamb ragu, black pepper ricotta, pistachio, mint ($15) were certainly worthwhile. 

After "you think you are full" stumble next door to the gelato take out window where everything down to the toppings are homemade.

LOCATION: 95 Allen Street (Between Delancy & Broome Street)

NEAREST TRANSIT: (F) (B,D) (J,M,Z)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.sorellanyc.com

Apizz

With countless Italian restaurants in New York City it is easy to fall into the mediocre trap of thinking "I could boil water and do this myself". It's places like Apizz (pronounced ah-beets) that stop you in your track and remind you that dining can be an experience rather than a quick bite. Tucked away on a side street in the lower east side, the restaurant provides intimate seating for small groups with great views of the rustic brick oven often utilized.  Without questions asked, fresh bread with homemade sauce and ricotta cheese are brought to the table while you contemplate the homemade options.

LOCATION: 217 Eldridge Street (Between Stanton & Rivington Street) - $$$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (F) (J,Z)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.apizz.com

ABC Kitchen

ABC Kitchen has succeeded in building a strong reputation over the years catering mostly to New Yorkers and tourist alike.  So much so, that it has been ranked #18 under the most popular restaurants rated in the 2012 Zagat guide.  Interestingly enough, the waitstaff swears business booms in the winter as apposed to the summer since there isn't the option of escaping to the Hampton's.

 The restuarant stands by a farm to table approach using local seasoned ingredients hence the menu changes season to season.  The only perminant option: the salted caramel-peanut butter ice cream sundae with candied popcorn, whipped cream and chocolate sauce (shown above).  It's all truly delicious, no further description needed.  Also known to please are the restaurants whole wheat pizza's which are the perfect appetizer for 2 to share before entrees arrive.

Keep in mind, ABC Kitchen isn't the type of restaurant you walk into and expect to be seated.  The restaurant is almost always booked completely with only two tables for walk-ins with a predictable +30 minute wait.  Word of advice, make your reservation in advanced.  

LOCATION: 35 East 18th Street (Between Broadway & Park Ave) - $$$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6) (L) (N,Q,R)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.abchome.com