I’m on a Boat: Frying Pan NYC

Looking for a fun and casual yet unique way to spend some time outside this summer?  The Lightship Frying Pan is a docked ship located in Chelsea on the Hudson River (26th Street & 12th Ave) at Pier 66 Maritime.  The vessel was built in 1929, and in 1991, it became a historic site on the National Register of Historic Places.

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On this ship, you can grab some food and drinks (full-service bar and grill) at the Pier 66 Maritime Bar and Grill while enjoying the view of boats sailing down the Hudson.  Check out their menu here–if you’re craving seafood, you’ve come to the right place.  Their Mahi Tacos are on point!

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Grab some friends and head to the Frying Pan early to get a table.  The line can get quite long (as well as the line to get to the top deck), but the sunset views over the Hudson are definitely worth waiting for.

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The Lighthouse Frying Pan is open seasonally from May 1 – October 1, seven days a week (subject to weather), and their hours are 12PM-12AM.

Price: $$

Momofuku Milk Bar

Warning: this post takes “treat yourself” to a whole new level.

Momofuku is an award-winning bakery and “milk bar” known for its Cereal Milk soft serve (featured in the second photo below with cornflake crunch).

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Fruity Cereal Milk with Conflake Crunch

Ever had Kellog’s Corn Flakes cereal? Well this delicious treat actually tastes like your “cereal milk” in soft serve form.  Might sound a bit weird for a flavor, but trust me, it’s delicious.  I’ve recently tried the Fruity Cereal Milk (featured above with cornflake crunch) which tasted exactly like Fruity Pebbles–brought back so many childhood memories!  I even like this flavor more than the original. Don’t be afraid to ask to taste test! Momofuku also has an array of milkshakes on the menu.

Are you a cookie monster? Well, I am, and luckily Momofuku offers 5 different cookies (or more depending on location).  Flavors include: Compost Cookie, Cornflake-Chocolate Chip-Marshamello-Cookie, Corn Cookie (to my surprise it was so good–tastes like corn bread!), Blueberry and Cream Cookie, and Confetti Cookie (similar to a sugar cookie–my favorite!).  Supermodel and philanthropist  Karlie Kloss collaborated with Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi to create “Klossies,” formerly “Karlie’s Cookies.” Sales from each “Perfect 10” cookie (featured below) provides ten school lunches to starving children around the world. “Coco” cookie provides support to young fashion designers, while”Rice & Spice” (gluten, dairy, and nut-free) provides support to children battling pediatric cancer.  Each “5boro” provides five meals to hungry New Yorkers.  Amazing, right?

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Perfect 10 Kookie featured with Cereal Milk soft serve with Cornflake Crunch

But wait, there’s more! Their Birthday Cake Truffles are to die for.  Currently on the menu, they also have Chocolate Malt Cake Truffles, which I’m sure are amazing as well.

Not a cookie or soft serve person? No problem because Momofuku also offer pie, but not just any pie–Crack Pie.  Yes, it’s just as addicting as you think.

And let’s not forget the infamous multi-layered cakes! Flavors include Birthday Cake, Chocolate Malt, Strawberry Lemon, Apple Pie, Chocolate Chip, Dulce de Leche, German Chocolate Jimbo, and Salted Pretzel. Someone remember to get me one of these for my birthday please!

Please click here to view the full menu (includes pictures and descriptions). Certain locations also teach baking classes!

You can find Momofuku  locations in NYC, DC, and Toronto.  Not in one of those cities? No worries, they can ship their baked goods throughout USA and Canada. You can even bake your favorite Momofuku treats at home with their prepackaged Baking Mixes.

 

 

By CHLOE. Round 2

Check out my first by CHLOE post here!

by CHLOE. is a vegan, counter-service style restaurant located in Greenwich Village on Macdougal St. and Bleecker St. (185 Bleecker St.). The food is 100% vegan, all natural, plant-based, kosher, and hands down amazing. Their menu is meat, dairy, egg, and guilt free. It’s no secret that this has become one of my favorite lunch spots in the city.  By CHLOE has now opened a location in L.A., and keep your eyes peeled for more locations popping up throughout NYC and in Boston!

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Featured: Seasonal Smashed Avocado Toast (topped with tomatoes, pickled onions & black salt—It’s the perfect blend of mouth-watering ingredients.  I’ve had this three weeks in a row so safe to say it’s delicious. (Can be gluten free with extra charge).

Pesto Meatball (Italian “meatballs” made with mushrooms & veggies, topped with sweet peppers, basil pesto, cashew mozzarella, and almond Parmesan.  Typically served on a potato sub roll). I’m not a huge bread/sandwich person (weird, I know) and like to eat sans gluten most days, so I usually ask for a salad instead of a sub or sandwich.   By CHLOE is very accommodating to its customers’ needs!

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Also featured (below) is my second favorite salad (next to the Quinoa Taco), the Kale Cesar.  Since I try to maintain a dairy-free diet(for the most part), I have really missed Cesar salads and cream-based dressings.  This salad certainly makes up for lost times and since it is dairy free, I can enjoy the creamy flavor without the guilt.  The Kale Cesar is topped with shiitake “bacon,” almond parm, and maple-wheat croutons.  I’d order a side of just the bacon bites and croutons if I could. They add a bit of a sweet and certainly savory flavor to the salad. This salad can be gluten free without the croutons.

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I hate to say it because I have so much love for this restaurant, but I was not impressed by both the Classic Burger and Guac Burger (not featured because I got them as takeout and it got a little messy!). Perhaps because I am not a vegan and love a beefy burger, both burgers fell short.

I actually prefer the Pesto Meatball over the infamous vegan burgers by CHLOE is known for.  The flavors in the meatball sub complement each other and are so tasty and flavorful.  I’m Italian, and I even felt fooled by these “meatballs.”  If you are interested in more Italian recipes, owner Chloe Coscarelli has a vegan Italian cookbook you should take a peek at while you are waiting in line!

On my last visit, I tried the Kale and Artichoke dip, which has a bold artichoke taste that I wasn’t prepared for and would pass on, since there are so many other savory menu items that I enjoy so much more.

The Mac n’ Cheese is a vegan’s dream. Gluten free pasta can be a hit or miss, but I tried it and it was on point! The sauce is made of sweet potato and cashew “cheese,” and it’s topped with shiitake “bacon” and almond Parmesan.  Definitely get the extra bacon option–that was probably my favorite part of the dish.

Rounding out the menu are the Original Air Baked French Fries (gluten free). I’m not the biggest fan of sweet potato fries, however, I now prefer the Air Baked Sweet Potato fries over the original!  Don’t forget to try the sweet, house made beet ketchup and chipotle aioli (has a little kick).  Devoured!

On a rainy day or if you’re in the mood for a hot, sweet beverage, try the Hot Cocoa! It’s made with a dollop of peanut butter and topped with a cloud of marshmallows.  This was a staple of mine throughout the fall and winter!  I’m a huge fan of this eatery and once you try it, you will be too!

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Price: $$

Rooftop (Re)Views No.1 Loopy Doopy

Prosecco and ice pops anyone? Loopy Doopy rooftop bar located in Battery Park at the Conrad Hotel is best known for their unique cocktails consisting of Prosecco and ice pops (People’s Pops–which are mouth-watering and delicious!). Prosecco is poured and the ice pop is dipped into the wine glass.  Once the pop is dissolved, it creates a tasty, fruity cocktail.  The juicy ice pop flavors vary monthly, but popular flavors include Blueberry Peach, Strawberry Lemongrass, and Empire Apple–all equally delicious.  They also serve other specialty cocktails and small plates if the prosecco & pops aren’t to your liking.

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This rooftop bar is indeed a bit of a tourist trap, but a good experience overall and a check off the bucket list for any foodie or New Yorker (do it for the Instagram).  For me, these cocktails are an enjoyable summer treat and a very cool concept, especially because I love Prosecco or champagne combined with anything fruity.  Heads up: these are overpriced (about $22 for one drink pop), but why not indulge even if it’s just one!  The rooftop itself is a small space, so it can feel cramped, but the views are beautiful, as this rooftop overlooks the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty.  Very cool way to beat the heat, relax and take in the scenery!

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Price: $$

 

 

by CHLOE.

by CHLOE. is a vegan, counter-service style restaurant located in Greenwich Village on Macdougal St. and Bleecker St. (185 Bleecker St.). The food is 100% vegan, all natural, plant-based, kosher, and hands down amazing. Their menu is meat, dairy, egg, and guilt free. It has quickly become one of my favorite lunch spots in the city.

Featured: Quinoa Taco Salad (light and delish!),  Smashed Avocado Toast (topped with sweet potato and pepitas), my coconut water (literally a straw in a raw coconut, which was opened right in front of me), Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Frosting and Burnt Marshmallow (for those who have an extreme sweet tooth because it’s very sweet), Matcha Blueberry Muffin (my favorite, very moist and filled with blueberries), and me with the raw coconut. I have also tried both the  Original and Sweet Potato Air Baked French Fries (gluten free and not pictured because I ate them so quickly) with a house made beet ketchup and chipotle aioli. I’m not the biggest fan of sweet potato fries, however, I now prefer these over the original! Devoured!

Price: $$

Instagram: @chefbychloe