NYC: Picks of the Day. Abraço, Salumeria Rosi, 'wichcraft, Valrhona, and Eataly.

I. Latte and Coffee at Abraço. It's been a while since my last visit! The line streaming out this tiny East Village coffeeshop is always crazy long, but well worth the wait. A slice each of Olive Oil and Pistachio-Lemon Cake, and now we're ready to begin the day.

II. Golden Pignoli Cookies (3 for $1) at Salumeria Rosi on the Upper West Side. I always pick up a few of these toasty nibbles made with marzipan when I'm in the neighborhood (and then I also stop by Levain Bakery, Jacques Torres, Margot Patisserie, and Soutine Bakery!). These pignoli cookies make great snacks with tea in the afternoon and have also proven to be wonderful little bribes ;)

III. At 'wichcraft. One Pastrami Sandwich. Pastrami, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and whole grain mustard on rye bread. Grilled to order, served warm. A tiny thing for $9.50, but it's immensely satisfying on a cold day.

IV. Chocolate Mendiants courtesy of Valrhona's Ecole du Grand Chocolat. Pistachio, hazelnut, and apricot. I ate all the dark chocolate ones and gave the milk mendiants to Monsieur P, heheh.

V. A pre-dinner serving of sharp, bold Gorgonzola Piccante DOP. Purchased at Eataly for 18.99 a pound. The buttery texture is fantastic for smothering on the Sullivan Street Bakery baguette I picked up just hours before. A little honey on the side. Pre-planned portion control is absolutely necessary as I can easily wipe out a baguette + cheese without thought.

And that's Saturday for me. Hope everyone is having a equally delicious weekend!

Abraço
86 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10003
(212) 388-9731

Salumeria Rosi
283 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10023
(212) 877-4800

'wichcraft
Multiple Locations

Valrhona

Eataly
200 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010
(646) 398-5100