Kameda Age Ichiban Corn Potage Rice Crackers: Individually wrapped rice crackers, about 2" in diameter, with a concave shape and irregularly textured surface. They have a salty coating with a savory corn aftertaste; the initial flavor is upfront soy. I was hopeful that it would taste more like the sweet and savory corn potage puffs umaibo I've had in the past, but this is nowhere near as good. Purchased from Sunrise Mart, the Japanese supermarket chain in NYC. 2.5/5.0
japanese ricecrackers cornpotage kamedaageichiban corn potage rice crackers 2.5
Vegan Rob's Probiotic Cauliflower Puffs: I purchased this vegan snack from my local Key Foods supermarket. I didn't inspect the packaging very carefully before buying, so I missed the probiotic part and was merely attracted to the idea of having a cauliflower-based snack (and trying a brand I hadn't seen before). Looking at the ingredients list now, I see the inclusion of inulin and Bacillus Goagulans, both used to support digestion and otherwise help you poop. I can't say that I noticed much of a difference in my bowel movement,... (read more) 2.5/5.0
keyfoods veganrobs probiotic cauliflower puffs 2.5
il laboratorio del gelato carrot and beet gelato: I'm all for vegetable-flavored desserts, and given how naturally sweet carrots and beets can be, I was especially excited to try il laboratorio's take. Both flavors were very true to their roots, tasting more fresh than sweet. In particular, the carrot was especially concentrated, tasting of the initial crisp bite of a raw carrot. If I had to choose one, I would go back for the carrot, but the beet was still delicious though milder. Both scoops were not entirely smooth, so the texture co... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended icecream gelato vegetables illaboratoriodelgelato carrot beet 4.0
The Doughnut Project Hotteok Jeju Noodle Bar Donut: I got this donut exactly a week ago on the last day it was available from The Donut Project in the West Village (sorry for the delay in posting!). I had only ever had Hotteok once from a boxed mix from HMart, and not surprisingly, this donut interpretation from Korean ramen noodle shop Jeju Noodle Bar was much better. The dough had a great consistency, with a crisp griddled-like exterior and soft interior filled with a sweet crushed peanuts mix. Topped with a berry-jelly syrup and pistach... (read more) 3.5/5.0
donutproject westvillage nyc dessert fried pbj peanut jelly pistachio thedonutproject hotteok jeju noodle bar donut 3.5 korean
Keki Bakery Ube cheesecake : I purchased this "bouncy" ube Japanese cheesecake from Keki bakery in K-town after having tried their classic cheesecake at their Chinatown shop. Stated to serve 3-4, it easily could serve 5-6 if you're mainly in for a small taste. At $15, it's a great deal for the quality; combining the best of a rich cheesecake with a light and airy texture that I'd describe as more fluffy than bouncy (though we ate it the day after it was purchased, so the texture might have changed a bit). Its intense pu... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended cake dessert nyc japanese pastry kekibakery ube cheesecake 4.0
Bao Tea House Rose pudding bao: A special Valentine's day menu item at Bao Tea House in the West Village, these buttery rose pudding baos have a custard-like filling somewhere between whipped cream and pudding. It's light in texture, but quite rich in flavor and tastes deeply of rose On top is a satisfying crumble coating. Overall, the dessert stands out to me with its combination of baked and creamy textures, but it's on the rich side altogether. 3.5/5.0
recommended nyc dessert baoteahouse rose pudding bao 3.5