Category Archives: Baked Goods, Ice Cream and Beyond

BESFREN

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Pastries. I love em. Like, a lot. I’ve tried them from lots of different countries and cultures. However, when it comes to Korean pastries, I really can’t say that I’ve had any. Korean savory food, of course, yes, and, I love it, but was unfamiliar with the Korean world of pastry. So, I needed to check out BESFREN in K-Town, NYC

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Along with their own in-house made classic Korean pastries, with a modern twist, you’ll find some classic pastry items like chocolate chip cookies, and items from local vendors.

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Now, these guys have been getting a lot of Insta-love for their Triple Chocolate Cookie, so, I had to see what all the hype was about. First off, it’s large and in charge, pretty much the only way I like my cookies. There are three variations of chocolate chunks, hence, the triple part. Now, the cookie is super delicious, but, I wouldn’t go so far to say it’s anything ground breaking, it tastes like a good chocolate chip cookie. What they got really right is the great consistency, the edges are slightly crisp, the center is soft and chewy, and the chocolate chunks are rich and melty. So, while it’s not the most unique thing there, for it’s size, at only $2.50, it’s certainly worth getting. 

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Then, I went with something more unique to the shop, I got their Jasmine Green Tea Roll Cake. Visually, it’s really pretty and definitely photogenic (because, in this age, if you didn’t take a picture of it, it never happened). The cake is super moist (terrible word) and somewhat spongy, with a light green tea flavor. The center is where you’ll get a much more rich and strong green tea flavor, with the consistency of a buttercream. All together, it’s lovely and delicious, and has a feeling of decadence, yet still light enough so that you can scarf down that mega cookie. 

The Shorts:
Name: BESFREN
Location: 315 5th Avenue, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Yes. It’s a great little spot to grab a coffee and pastry, with a hand full of cafe tables along floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sweet treats and a view.
Would I recommend it? Yes. The items and flavors are unique, yet still very accessible, so it’s definitely worth a try. 

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PETEE’S PIE COMPANY

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With Thanksgiving being just around the corner, I’d been thinking about pie a lot. I’ve made my own, which have luckily turned out great, but, they can be a lot of work, so, I like to just enjoy the ones that other bakers are making. So, I was off to the Lower East Side to check out Petee’s Pie Company. Most places make a big fuss about decor and “stuff”, but here the focus and decor is really simply the racks of pies right there on display, made fresh daily. They make their pies using seasonal local produce, natural fair-trade sweeteners, crust made with organic flour and grass-fed butter from New York State, and even offer gluten-free and vegan options.

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Everything looked awesome, but I narrowed it down to two slices. First, I had the Maple Whiskey Walnut. This pie was incredible. Like, some of the best I’ve had. The crust is buttery, almost a bit savory, and totally melts in your mouth. The center of the pie is almost custard like in texture, rich, with a hint of whiskey at the very end. Topped with a candied walnut crust, it’s seriously hard to find anything wrong with this pie (aside from the fact that I didn’t get a whole one and only a slice). 

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Then, I also got the Crumb Spiced Asian Pear. Another slam dunk Petee’s, well done. Again, the crust here is the same, and equally delicious. The crumble on top is just perfect, it’s buttery, a little crunchy, and also melts in your mouth. The pear is fresh and tender, not too sweet, with flavors of cinnamon and pecan pieces for added texture and crunch. This really was an excellent piece of pie. Again, I’m kicking myself for not getting a whole pie of this flavor. Then again, that would also add more time at the gym. But, it would totally be worth it. 

The Shorts:
Name: Petee’s Pie Company
Location: 61 Delancey Street, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Absolutely. These were some of the most delicious pies I’ve had, and with an abundant amount of flavors to choose from, I’ve got some good work cut out for me. 
Would I recommend it? For sure. They’re taking Thanksgiving orders too, so, if you’re in the NYC area, you’ll definitely want to place an order.