3 - Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

LAST VISIT: 6/13/2010    http://www.brooklynicecreamfactory.com/

HELLO - who doesn't like ice cream anywhere, at any time?!?!!? Listen, unless it is sugar free/fat free I am likely going to rate any ice cream at a 3. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory's (BICF) selection was especially creamy...perhaps the creamiest I have ever had. I decided on Butter Pecan in a waffle cone...and it was DELISH! I did have an opportunity to sample Peaches & Cream, which was also super yummy. I do have to say that the thick creamy flavor/consistency travels over to each flavor. Each flavor has it's unique taste, but there is a similar after-taste overlay in it all their creams(this was also pointed out by some friends who joined in the BICF glutenous adventure). Needless to say, it melted, contained sugar and a high content of calories and my mouth and stomach were deeply thankful!

2 - Baked by Melissa [Cupcake Stand]

LAST VISIT: 1/22/2010     http://www.bakedbymelissa.com/

Baked by Melissa is a place that sells little bitty cupcakes in a little bitty cupcake stand snuck in between two buildings in SoHo. The idea of them is fun - and some of the flavors are creative: Tie-Dye, Cinnamon, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Smores, and Peanut Butter Cup. They are good little morsels, kind of a fun snack...because as you can see they are bite size. Don't expect something fab...just a sugary treat.

3 - Buttercup Bake Shop

LAST VISIT: 5/2009     http://buttercupbakeshop.com/

So far, these rank as my most loved cupcakes in NYC. They are fluffy and full of flavor. My favorite is the Sour Cream Spice cupcake...holy moly is it deliciousness!!!! Of course they are a bakery so they have much more than cupcakes to choose from...there is something for everyone. I have a hard time looking at the picture - it makes me want to run out and grab a Sour Cream Spice pronto!

1 - Serendipity3

LAST VISIT: 11/2008     http://www.serendipity3.com/main.htm

I know this restaurant is recognized by Oprah for the frozen hot chocolate...but screw Oprah! I like the desserts, they are pretty good, but I have no idea why everyone loves the frozen hot chocolate so much - it is bland. The food is just okay, but what concerns me is that this "famous place" was shut down for an infestation problem in 2007 [http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/11/15/2007-11-15_health_dept_closes_serendipity_3_over_ra.html]. Ever since I heard about that I really hate the idea of going...and I will only eat the desserts if I do go. Guard yourselves people - just because Oprah loves it doesn't mean it is rodent-free!

2 - Crumbs Bake Shop

LAST VISIT: 5/2009     http://www.crumbs.com/

These x-large cupcakes look unbelievably delectable however, they are not my favorite in NYC. As a baker friend of mine says, "They lack soul." Sure, they are sugary and gooey, but they can sometimes be dry and boring on the inside. When I get a cupcake from Crumbs I judge a book by its cover - I think it will be super scrumptious because it is exterior is gorgeous, but then I bite in and it is just average. :( Don't be fooled by the decorated cupcakes...they are wolves in sheep's clothing.

2 - Shake Shack

LAST VISIT: 2/2010 http://www.shakeshack.com/

I like Shake Shack, but not as much as Burger Joint, thus the "2" rating. The burger is decent, the crinkle fries are not my favorite (a little lacking in flavor), the frozen custards and shakes are good. Shake Shack provides a fun NYC experience, but you really have to wait in the line at Madison Square Park versus going to the W 79th St location. I know any diner will like the food, but I cannot guarantee that it will be thought of as amazing and worthy of a "3".

3 - Houston's / Hillstone's

LAST VISIT: 5/4/2010 http://www.hillstone.com/hillstone/

Not only does this salad look like a jungle - but it tasted like a jungle - a jungle of yumminess in my mouth!!!!! I had been to a Houston's in Florida in 2003 and remembered it being good, but not as good as last night's tour! The Dip Duo was fantabulous as well. As I sat with my girlfriend enjoying our meal we couldn't help but drool when when saw all the plates being delivered to each table in the restaurant. Everything looked AMAZING. The burgers were HUGE - I can only imagine how tasty they are! I want to go back so bad!

3 - Big Daddy's Diner (up from a 2)

LAST VISIT: 3/2010 http://www.bigdaddysnyc.com/

Seriously - I used to think Big Daddy's Diner was just like every other diner...but, now I can't stay away. Their pancakes are stellar...fluffy-mcduffy...melt in your mouth!!! Tater tots ("TOTS"), Chicken-Lickin Sandy, Very, Very Veggie Burger, and the Big Daddy Sundae are among my favorites. If you want a hearty meal, big portions and deliciousness - hit up the Big D's!!! :)

3 - Cafe Lalo

LAST VISIT: 4/2010 http://www.cafelalo.com/index.html

This was some of the best brunch food I have had in NYC. The selection offered is overwhelming...the menu is never ending. My girlfriend and I decided to split steamed eggs with goat cheese, scallions and herbs - the eggs are made with no oil or butter! The eggs were delicious and came with potatoes , Mediterranean salad and toast. The portion size was enough to share. We split a piece of apple torte a la mode for dessert - their dessert selection is fabulous, one I will order from again!!! The restaurant is housed with female-only waitresses all wearing black mini skirts with pink leggings - a unique look to say the least. This place has charm and it was worthy of "You've Got Mail", one of my favorite movies.

3 - Butter Lane

LAST VISIT: 12/2009 http://www.butterlane.com/

These cupcakes are delightful!!! They inspire creativity by allowing you mix and match the mini cakes with your choice of frosting. They have homemade cider that is super delish and warms you right up. A super cute place indeed!

2 - Magnolia Bakery

LAST VISIT: 11/2008 http://www.magnoliabakery.com/

This is the infamous cupcakery that everyone raves about. Their cupcakes perhaps started the current cupcake rage. When I came for a visit to NYC in 2006 I was not overly impressed. The cupcakes seemed nothing more than mom's. I went for a re-visit in 2008 and changed my opinion - they were better than my memory had stored. More moist than the first experience. They are a good basic cupcake. The Magnolia Bakery cupcake should be the first cupcake tried, don't expect to be completely obsessed with them.