Canele at Floriole Cafe on Racine, Chicago, IL
One of our most favorite afternoon tea treats are these perfectly baked French pastry called 'Canele' from Floriole Cafe on Racine. It is a few blocks away from our home, so we allow ourselves this treat once a month or so. The pastry is slightly hard on the outside - probably from the caramelization of the custard batter, but gives way to a soft and chewy consistency inside. It is a perfect balance of sweet and butter.
Crepe Cake at Bouchon, Time Warner Centre, NYC
What could be lovelier than the layered crepe cake from Bouchon at the Time Warner Centre in New York City? Perfectly uniform, thin layers of crepe laid over cream... topped with caramelized sugar and served with a dollop of ice cream with crunchy crushed pecans. A wonderful treat; each bite was satisfying.
Dutch Baby Pancake at Walker Brothers, Evanston, Illinois
This is not the typical Dutch pancake that one gets in Holland. The version they have at Walker Brothers in Evanston, Illinois is fluffier, more eggy and definitely can give the original Dutch pancakes a run for their money! It takes 15 minutes to prepare, so be ready for the slight wait. It is served all fluffy and hot with a sprinkling of sugar powder. The waiter also comes with a bowlful of lemon wedges - the fresh lemon juice goes so well with the pancake and sugar. You can also ask for maple syrup. This is a must when you visit Evanston. The serving is generous, so come with an empty stomach. You will leave Walker Brothers with a big smile. http://www.walkerbros.net/
Millefeuille from Cafe Mallorca, Madrid
We recommend the millefeuille or milhojas from Cafe Mallorca in Spain. The pastry was crisp and flaky, the cream heavenly and the raspberries fresh and plump. You can visit them here: http://www.pasteleria-mallorca.com.
Fish Head Curry from Masala Hut, Singapore
Fish head curry is one of the most favorite dishes from Ros' homeland of Singapore. As you can imagine from the photo, the curry is spicy and tangy, and some vegetables (namely brinjal and okra) are added to the curry. This dish originates from South India, and is eaten traditionally with steamed rice, a vegetable dish (usually cabbage or long beans), a type of spicy mango chutney and a slice of papadum. Delicious. Ros craves for this when she visits home.
Pumpkin Pancakes from Shopsin's Diner, New York City
Shopsin's pumpkin pancakes were first featured on Saveur Magazine's cover in 2010. We took immedite notice and were determined to try this specialty when we were next in New York in July 2010. The pancakes were rich with pumpkin flavor and very satisfying with a dab of butter and a generous douse of maple syrup. Definitely worth a visit when you find yourself in New York next time. Here's the link: http://www.shopsins.com.
Red Velvet Cupcake Molly's Cupcake in Lincoln Park, Chicago
This was voted the best cupcake in Chicago by Chicago Magazine. The cake is deliciously moist and the cream cheese rich and not overly sweet. Best with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Here's Molly's link: http://www.mollyscupcakes.com.
Huevos con pisto y patatas: Taverna de los Huevos de Lucio, Madrid
The traditional comfort food of Spain which consists of fries and fried eggs. What a revelation... who'd have thought something so simple can taste so good? http://www.casalucio.es
Red Velvet Cupcake Molly's Cupcake in Lincoln Park, Chicago
This was voted the best cupcake in Chicago by Chicago Magazine. The cake is deliciously moist and the cream cheese rich and not overly sweet. Best with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Here's Molly's link: http://www.mollyscupcakes.com.
Huevos con pisto y patatas: Taverna de los Huevos de Lucio, Madrid
The traditional comfort food of Spain which consists of fries and fried eggs. What a revelation... who'd have thought something so simple can taste so good? http://www.casalucio.es
