Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery is famous for their cupcakes and Depression era icebox cakes in New York City.  Apparently they are considered the first to start the cupcake craze in the 1990s.  In fact this bakery is so famous that it is featured in Saturday Night Live, Sex and the City, and the Devils Wears Prada to name a few.  Now Magnolia Bakery has 7 locations in USA and 4 locations internationally, in addition to the online shop that has nation wide shipping.     

During our NYC trip, we actually heard about Magnolia Bakery on TV one night.  And coincidentally we walked by the bakery on our way back to the hotel from Rockefeller Center that night, and saw every single person in front of us walked into the shop.  So we looked at the name of the store and realized IT IS Magnolia!  So we walked in to order a quick snack.  We were actually very lucky to got to the bakery just 30 minutes before closing.  Most of the goodies are sold out by this time, otherwise I would definitely order a few cupcakes and some cheesecakes.  Also for future reference, their Banana Pudding (layers of vanilla wafers, fresh banana, and creamy vanilla pudding) is famous!  We ordered a slice of red velvet cake and a large hot chocolate.  The red velvet cake was very moist, the layers of the cake and vanilla icing were perfect!  I'd bet the cupcakes would be amazing too.  I also enjoyed the hot chocolate very much.  The hot chocolate was prepared from real chocolate melted in steamed milk.  Can't wait to try their coffee next time too.  And I will make sure we come earlier in the day to have a great selection of goodies with coffee! =)

Magnolia Bakery

Rockefeller Center

1240 Avenue of the Americas (at the corner of 49th and 6th Ave)
New York, NY 10020
http://www.magnoliabakery.com/

Hot chocolate made from real chocolate melted in steamed milk ($3? Large)

A slice of red velvet cake ($4.50)

John's Pizzeria (Bleecker Street)

John's Pizzeria (Bleecker Street)

Coal Fired Brick Oven Pizzeria
278 Bleecker Street
(between 6th Avenue & 7th Avenue)
New York, New York 10014
http://www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com/

What's going to New York without trying their thin crust pizza!  This pizza place was recommended by Oliver as one of the best pizza place to try in New York.  John's of Bleecker Street Pizzeria is opened since 1929, and not to be confused with another franchise!  This pizzeria is located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, where it is known for its artistic atmosphere.  As we walk along the neighborhood, there are many small but neat restaurants and wine places.  The Washington Square park is also located in Greenwich Village.   

The restaurant claims: "No Slices. No Reservations. Cash Only. Dine In or Take Out."

We arrived at the restaurant and found the restaurant very packed.  We waited about 20 minutes before we were seated.  The decor has a lot of character and there are many pictures of celebrities and hockey players on the walls.

I have heard their most popular pizza is actually plain - tomato sauce and mozzarella.  Since I'm not used to just eating plain pizza,  we ordered a medium pizza with tomato sauce (6 slices $14.50), mushroom and fresh ground sausage ($3 each for topping).  The pizza is made-to-order, and cooked in a coal fire brick oven.  I enjoyed the pizza very much!  Because its freshly made and nice and crispy.  The tomato sauce is absolutely delicious!!!  Definitely worth a visit.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
1501 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
http://www.bubbagump.com/

People always say Bubba Gump is one of those expensive themed restaurants that doesn't taste that good.  But I think otherwise.  I really like their food.  After the first try in Chicago, I have been thinking about Bubba Gump for a long time.  Their coconut shrimp is amazing!  The best deal is to get the Shrimp Sampler with shrimp four different ways.  And the seafood pot was amazing too!  Now that we know Bubba Gump is also in NYC Times Square, we are back for another visit!

Strawberry Lemonade

Bubba’s Far Out Dip ($9.29)
Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers, Artichokes and Monterey Jack Cheese with homemade Tortilla Chips.

Bourbon Street Mahi Mahi ($19.79)
Charbroiled Cajun spiced Mahi Mahi with Bourbon Sauce and grilled Shrimp, served over Mashed Potatoes.

Shrimper's Net Catch (2/3lb $12.99)
Our best Peel‘n’Eat Shrimp steamed in Beer. Choice of Bubba’s Garlic Spice or Secret Recipe Cajun Spice.  We got a half and half mix!! This way is the best!

Guy's American Kitchen and Bar

Guy's American Kitchen and Bar

220 West 44th Street
Between 7th and 8th Ave
New York, NY 10036 
http://www.guysamerican.com/


Charles and I have been watching Guy Fieri's Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food Network for years and absolutely love the show!  It was our dream to one day go on the all American road trip and try some of the best food in America.  When we were touring NYC in Times Square, we found Guy's restaurant and decide to go in for a try.

The restaurant was very large with a 2-storey woodstone fire roasting many many birds.  We were greeted immediately and the wait for a table was considerably short (10 minutes?).  The waitress was very friendly, which I was surprised about (I usually find American's have a different sense of 'nice').  We ordered the rotisserie chicken and the cajun chicken pasta.  The rotisserie chicken was very flavourful and moist.  And the rosemary flavour still rings in your palette.  Charles really enjoyed his dish.  I was a little disappointed with mine because it wasn't as the name of the dish as described to be blackened chicken... although the flavours of the dish is still good.  I'm more impressed with the Baked Alaska dessert.  Normally I dislike lemon-ey dessert since I don't like sour things.  This Baked Alaska was actually really tasty and cleanses our palette well after a heavy meal.

Rotisserie Roasted Garlic-Rosemary Chicken ($17.50)
Woodstone rotisserie roasted half chicken with garlic, fresh rosemary, lemon sauce and mushrooms.  Served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes + seasonal vegetables

Cajun Chicken Alfredo ($22.95)
Cajun spiced blackened chicken breast, white wine, sundried tomatoes, fettucinni + creamy parmesan sauce

Baked Alaska ($12)
Lemon sorbet covered with meringue and lightly baked