a chocolate lover's dream and a taste of asian fusion

So I said to myself when I started this blog that I wouldn't turn it into a blog strictly about food.  However, I live in a city where you could eat out every night for the rest of your life and you still wouldn't be able to visit all the restaurants in the city, never mind making it through the 5 boroughs.  Last week, I was able to sample two of New York's finest, in my opinion.

The first was Max Brenner; a chocolate bar located at Union Square.  Walking in you got the impression that you had truly found Willy Wonka's chocolate factory; I mean there were huge vats of chocolate, the walls were even painted the color of a hershey bar.  The food was unbelievable and don't even get me started on the chocolate- I wanted to order the entire dessert menu!  The restaurant was created by a man by the name of Max Brenner who was an aspiring writer, and although he was never able to write, he was able to express his love of chocolate by opening this restaurant.  The menu contains anything from hot chocolate served in "hug" cups so you can literally "hug" the mug with your hands, to chocolate pizza, to European fondue!

The idea behind the chocolate culture of Max Brenner:

Chocolate is not just about taste

It's not only about mixing exotic spices or creating delicate mousses. It is more than just an excellent gourmet product. Chocolate, more than any other food, is integrated in to many aspects of our lives. It is a symbol of contradicting emotions and sensations. On one hand, it is the most romantic gift, on the other hand it is a commodity which is traded on the stock exchange. It is sold like a prestigious piece of jewelry carefully selected from a glass case but also as an addictive snack available at every corner store. It is tasted like a fine wine and licked off of fingers dipped straight in to the bowl. It is sexy, nostalgic, and forever an object of fantasy for children and grownup children. These diverse chocolate associations are the inspiration behind Max Brenner's new chocolate culture.

fondue

from the outside

a glimpse inside!

I highly suggest that if you're in the city, you make a stop in to this place, especially if you have a sweet tooth!! And if you do plan on going- make sure you bring me!!

The second restaurant I was able to try was called Buddakan.  Located on the West Side in the Meatpacking District, Buddakan is an asian fusion restaurant.  It was slightly more upscale than what I'm used to; but that was because my friend and I were playing event planner for Rex; a company that helps Topps with the graphic design for the cards.  So Rex paid and we ate for free!! Nothing beats that. We tried sake, lobster fried rice, and then an appetizer sampler that had boneless spare ribs, lobster rolls, cantonese spring rolls, shrimp, and tuna tartare!  It was delicious- hopefully this wins the holiday Christmas party location for Rex and we can go back!!

bar area

dining area

It was an amazing week to try some new restaurants in the city; don't worry, I am a member of the gym and do go on a regular basis!!