Tag Archives: Flavors

FOOD, TRAVEL

KaDeWe: Stylish Shopping and Elegant Eating in the Heart of Berlin

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KaDeWe's magnificent food court
KaDeWe’s magnificent food court

By: Rohan 

As an American tourist coming into Berlin with very little knowledge of the language, the fact that KaDeWe was easy to pronounce and had vegetarian food on the menu was an instant sell. It’s hard enough to find quality vegetarian places in Eastern Europe, especially in a city like Berlin.

Think of KaDeWe as your typical department store on steroids. For those who have visited Harrod’s in London, it is on the same, if not higher caliber as the famous retailer. But by far the best part of KaDeWe is it promises the latest trends, delicious food, and succulent desserts that won’t break the bank.

As I mentioned, KaDeWe is massive. Seven stories to be exact. The bottom floors boast popular luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Coach, and Armani. As you climb this massive behemoth of a store, expect floors dedicated to home goods, kitchen and bath, electronics, and of course an entire floor of toys to keep the little ones delighted.

As you reach the top of KaDeWe, you encounter an authentic Eastern European supermarket that provides access to the best of flavors from around the world. Feast your eyes (and your taste buds) on cheeses imported from Italy, or stop by the Illy Espresso and Hot Chocolate bar for a quick pick-me-up. Your options are endless.

Exit the glass elevator on KaDeWe’s top floor and you’re delighted to a beautiful food court, adorned with chic furniture, beautiful scented candles, and a picturesque glass ceiling giving you the perfect view of the nighttime sky and all of Berlin’s monuments. Try freshly made stir-fry noodles, treat yourself to a brick oven pizza, and of course, save some room for dessert. KaDeWe boasts an incredible collection of cheesecakes, puddings, pastries, ice cream, and gelato. There is no way you are leaving without satisfying that sweet tooth.

If you’re in Berlin and need a bite to eat or would like to hit up a major retailer, KaDeWe is the place to be. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.kadewe.de/en/

FOOD

Amy’s Bread- Redefining Simple Eating

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Amy’s Bread, New York City
(newyork.seriouseats.com)

By Siddhi: 

How good can vegetarian chili get? In my eighteen years of existence, nothing ever beat the gratifying wholesomeness of homemade soup with the freshest ingredients from the local farmer’s market and prepared with mom’s love.

Sorry mom…but I think someone has finally come pretty darn close. Don’t yell at me! Go to Amy’s Bread and see for yourself. It’s divine to say the least.

Located in three culturally vibrant areas in New York City- Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea Market, and the one I frequent on a cozy street in the West Village- Amy’s Bread boasts the most incredible selection of hand-made breads, desserts, sandwiches, and delicious coffees, juices, and breakfast foods.

Eating at the Bleecker Street location in the Village which is just a couple blocks away from the Hudson feels like you’re living the greatest of downtown city dreams. A small and homey European café feel married to slick modern lighting and diverse wall art simulates one of the most comfortable eating experiences I’ve had to date in the city.

The first time I went to Amy’s, I was coming down with a terrible cold and wanted nothing more than a simple bowl of hot soup. When I ordered the vegetarian chili (which came in several different combinations…I’ve never seen so many options for a simple chili on any menu!), I thought I would get either the typical plain roll breadstick or “rustic roll” included with the order. Instead, I was presented with a mouth-watering array of at least ten different types of hand-made breads and was able to choose between the heartiest of flavors including black olive twist, tangy sourdough, and semolina with golden raisins and fennel. If my taste buds were functioning and I wasn’t so sick, I would’ve broke the bank right there and taken full loaves home. I felt like I was back at the Piazza Navona in Rome. I haven’t ever felt that café intrigue replicated in the States till I walked into Amy’s.

And the orange juice, oh the orange juice…the freshly squeezed citrus goodness transported me back to the beaches of Oahu. Chili, bread, and juice- what should be the most straightforward of meals was among the most heavenly I’ve ever had. To find that kind of pleasure in something so simple speaks volumes about the quality and devotion of Amy’s Bread to the greatest of dining experiences.

So, if you find yourself at any of the three aforementioned NYC locations, treat yourself to Amy’s Bread. It’s beyond worth it.

To check out their menu, click here:

http://www.amysbread.com/menu/cafe_menu  

FOOD

Grom Gelato – So Worth a Visit in New York City

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Grom Menu
Source: http://www.grom.it/eng/

By Lakshmi:

My first exposure to Gelato was on my maiden trip to Milan when a friend introduced me to the best that the city had to offer.  Grom was one of the stops we made in my journey into sampling a rich array of flavors from a variety of gelato shops, including several artisanal ones.

When Siddhi started college in New York, I was excited to note that there was a Grom in the vicinity.  Recently on a warm day, walking around the Village, we had a chance to stop by at Grom to see if the gelato served locally could hold a candle to the original that we had savored in Italy.  To start off, we ordered the dark chocolate with orange.  The marriage of the dark chocolate and orange flavors was just perfect, the taste buds dancing with joy with every spoonful of this decadent treat making its way in.  Most importantly, the flavor of the dark chocolate was identical to what I had tasted in Milan.  We went on to have the Caramello al sale flavor which I have to say was ok but not as decadent as its dark chocolate brethren.  With a heavy lunch already tucked away, I did not get a chance to compare the flavors of the Pistacchio and Nocciola, but these and many more are awaiting us on our next trip this summer.

Grom has multiple locations in the New York City area, and is so worth a visit.  To learn more about these locations and about the flavors offered, click here.

http://www.grom.it/eng/dettagli_gelateria.php?id_gelateria=107&citt%E0=New%20York