Beligium Hot Chocolate — the messy looking one was made by yours truly.

Last weekend, Elizabeth of About New York and (The House in Marrakesh) and I had planned on meeting and going to Central Park to take photos.  However, it was extremely cold and neither of us felt like wandering around in the chilly weather.  Instead, we decided to do the next best thing — find a nice warm place to sit, eat and talk.  We found the place at Le Pain Quotidien — a comfortable bakery/eatery with long communal tables.  There are several locations in the city.  We went to the one in the Gramercy/Flatiron area. 

They have an extensive menu of different foods.  We talked over Belgium Hot Chocolate and a basket of different delicious rustic European breads.  The waiter brought us cups of hot milk with the melted chocolate on the side and we poured the chocolate into the milk.  I made the crazy design you see in the above photo.  The breads were served with different jams (apricot and raspberry) and a hazelnut-praline spread.  Very nice!

Afterwards, we went next door to browse in ABC Carpet & Home.  It’s a huge store filled with everything from chandeliers, candles, books, carpets, furniture, jewelry and more.

If you’re in the neighborhood, you may want to check both places out.

Paz

Le Pain Quotidien

38 E 19th St,   New York 10003
Between Broadway & Park Ave

212-673-7900

ABC Carpet & Home

888 Broadway, New York 10003 (19th Street)

212-473-3000

Melted dark chocolate to make hot chocolate

Basket of different delicious rustic breads

A small portion of ABC Carpet & Home

Hot chocolate with whipped cream

I mentioned in an earlier post that Elizabeth (The House in Marrakesh) and I stopped at the Viennese inspired café at Neue Galerie.  It reminded us of Merisi’s Vienna for Beginners.  The café serves authentic Viennese specialities, traditional Austrian dishes, and patisserie like strudel and Linzertorte.  An extremely cold day, we both ordered hot chocolate with whipped cream.  Mmmm!  That certainly hit the spot.   Elizabeth ordered ham on country bread with crispy crusts with mustard spread.  Very delicious. 

We arrived at the café early and it was a good idea because a short time later, it became crowded.  Hours later, a line formed to dine at there.  Next time, I’ll make sure to go there with a big appetite.

Paz 
 

Open ham sandwich on country bread