NaBloPoMo - Things I love about New York Part 2 - Ferrara Bakery & Cafe

Ferrara Bakery and Cafe. Easily one of the best places to eat. Ever. This pasticceria opened in 1892 at about the intersection of Mulberry and Grand. I can't even remember the first time I ate here with my family, but I am sure I was VERY young. You almost always have to wait to get a seat at one of their marble-topped tables. I've had more cannoli and rainbow cookies that I can even remember, and my mom would almost always get Baba Au Rhum. Coming in off the cold streets in the winter there would always be hot chocolate and coffee, and in summer there was always gelato to go with your dessert. If you are ever in NYC, GO. You won't be disappointed. It is a true New York institution.

If you click here, there is a great little video from behind the scenes at the Cafe.

Below, a picture of me and mom at Ferrara a few years ago.

 

NaBloPoMo - Things I love about New York Part 1

Most of you probably don't know that I grew up in NYC. Actually, my family has been there since the day we settled it in the early 1600s! Although I grew up in Queens, my parents always made sure that we had ample access to the fantastic-ness in the City. Since this is NaBloPoMo, and all of my thoughts are focused on my friends and family in NY,  I thought I would focus on one thing a day in NYC that I love, and the stories that surround them.

Today's installment is about Wonton Garden in Chinatown. I have many happy memories with my parents, husband, and oldest friend Erica there, where we would usually go before hitting up the *other* side of Canal Street for dessert in Little Italy! There are a few things on the menu other than soups and stews, but not too many more. I think we almost always get steamed roast pork buns.

You guys, this is not the place to go if you want "ambience" but damn, that food is good and cheap. It really is almost the first place I go when I get back to NYC. What I usually order is pretty basic -- fresh noodles in soup, sometimes with roast pork, and Tom tends to go a little more out of the box. The noodles are amazing - I've never been able to find anything like them anywhere. "Regular" Chinese food is dull once you have had Wonton Garden.

There is another blogger who did a more formal review of the place, with some great pictures. Check it out here! See if those pictures don't make you rush off there for lunch (once they reopen from the storm, of course). 

Be prepared to wait to get a table, and don't be surprised if you wind up sharing a table with total strangers if you go as a small party.