The Sweet Shop at 4 Rivers

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Well, I checked off the BBQ aspect of 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Park, FL. But then, I noticed they had a separate bakery, The Sweet Shop, and, well…duh, I had to check that out.

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It’s a common habit, we eat with our eyes first. These desserts were pretty eye catching with their large, grand size and their perfectly confected baked goods. They offer cupcakes, cakes, ice cream and brownie bars, to name their most prominent items.

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They also have some really novel and unique items such as their Cupcake Milkshakes (your choice of a cupcake dropped into a milkshake and blended up into a shake that is sure to bring all the boys to the yard…Kelis…) and their Mountain Dew Dorito Cupcake (novel, yes, but sorry, I wasn’t too interested in eating one). 

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I certainly have eyes a bit bigger than my stomach, and had to get a few things to try. Their desserts are not for the weak, each one is large and hefty. I first had their Double Chocolate Cookie with nuts. So, if you haven’t worked out in a little while, fear not because this cookie can double as a weight for arm curls, weighing in at around 1lb. It’s huge, but the chocolate flavor and sweetness are actually more on the mild side, allowing you to make your way through more of it. It’s also a little fudgy on the inside, almost like a brownie. 

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Next, I got their Kryptonite Brownie (pecans and caramel), another huge portion. The brownie was rich, moist (I hate that word) but also not overly sweet either, allowing the sweetness and creaminess of the caramel to take that spotlight, and adding the pecans for a nice nuttiness and crunch. I think Superman would have been pretty happy eating this one. 

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Last, I got their Texas Bourbon Pecan Bar, which, was hands down, my favorite. The bourbon absolutely comes through, giving it a really rich, warm flavor. And who doesn’t love the taste of a little booze in a delicious treat? The whole pecans were coated in a crisp, sugar crumble coating, giving the bar a sandwich effect of crunch from the pecans and the bottom crust, and the contrast of the creamy, oozy boozy center. 

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And, of course, some wise words to live by.

The Shorts:
Name: The Sweet Shop
Location: 4 Rivers Smokehouse, 1600 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL
The Long and Short: Would I go back? For sure. And hell, I might even get the Mountain Dew Dorito Cupcake. 
Would I recommend it? Definitely, something for everyone sweet tooth, and each item makes great to share among a few people. 

 

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sugar Sweet sunshine

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I’ve lived in NYC for over seven years now, and love going to new places. But, I also stay loyal to my favorite places, one of them being sugar Sweet sunshine on the Lower East Side. 

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This 70’s inspired bakery is home to some groovy cupcakes and far out treats (threw in some 70’s jargon…you’re welcome). These two former Magnolia bakers joined forces to create an inviting and delicious bakery (and I personally like their cupcakes better than Magnolia).

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They have a variety of cupcakes with fun and whimsical names. But, after you grab a cuppie, you need to head over to the other window full of their puddings.

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They have a rotating crew of seasonal flavors along with their staple flavors (and yes, I’ve tried all of them).

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Since it’s only seasonal, I had to grab some of my favorite flavors of pudding there, The Nog (pumpkin cake, eggnog pudding and whip cream). Each batch is configured like a trifle, alternating layers of each ingredient. You get all the flavors incorporated together, making each bite equally delicious. The pumpkin cake is soft and flavorful, mixed with the custard-like and creamy eggnog pudding. Then, you have the light whip cream to bring it all home. You can also get different sizes, starting with a shot glass sized cup, graduating to a 10 oz-64 oz big boy. 

The Shorts:
Name: sugar Sweet sunshine
Location: 126 Rivington Street, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? I have been for the past seven years, and I don’t plan on slowing down.
Would I recommend it? Did I mention I’ve been going for almost a decade?