weekend eats

Last weekend with my best girlfriends consisted of sight-seeing all around the city, shopping at the new TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack in Brooklyn, dancing until the early morning... and of course, food! There were several requests for cupcake and cookie bakeries special to New York. If you are ever in the city, be sure to stop by some of these fav spots! I promise they will not disappoint.

Above is a photo of the famous Ladurée macarons in various magical flavors, including pistachio, tea rose, orange blossom, chocolate and strawberry sugar. We stumbled upon this SoHo location (also one near Central Park) and am so glad I was finally able to try this colorful treats! Although expensive per piece, I will definitely be going back soon to try more flavors. 

Levain Bakery cookies are by far the best I've had since moving here. They're as big as your face and as thick as a hamburger. The lines can be a bit long at times, but make your way up to the upper west side a little early to beat it (they open bright and early at 8am). Pictured above is the chocolate chip walnut cookie. I also tried the chocolate chocolate peanut butter, which took me about 3 days to finish eating, but was still soft and chewy down to the last bite.

Lastly, one of my favorite cupcake spots, Magnolia Bakery. With several locations all around Manhattan, it's easy to try one of these delightful little cakes. My favorites are the red velvet and any of the vanilla with buttercream frosting. Also, if you're a banana pudding lover.... THE BEST IS HERE. Ask for a small tub to go!

Have a great rest of the weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all!

xo,

Becca

Photos taken by: Me

Cookie Model: Lieza Bautista

weekend eats

New Yorkers do brunch like I've never seen. It's as if you committed a cardinal sin if you didn't brunch on Saturday or Sunday. So in order to adapt to my surroundings, I too stay brunching on the weekends. Here are a few of my favorite spots in Brooklyn. And, oh yes. Did you see those pancakes up there?! They are the most delicious pancakes I've ever tasted. Ever in life. They're crispy and buttery on the outside, but so soft and fluffy in the inside. Topped with fruit and a dab of syrup, you won't be able to stop eating them. 

Cafe Luluc is probably my favorite brunch spot on Smith Street. Well, maybe even in the entire borough of Brooklyn! I know. Pretty strong words. Check them out one weekend, they even have an outdoor porch area that is just perfect for the spring weather. Other favorite brunch spots Matt and I frequent are: Seersucker, Chez Moi, and Ted and Honey. And one I really really really want to try soon is called SoCo (located in Ft. Greene area), known for their fried chicken and red velvet waffles. Drool.

Smorgasburg has been a Brooklyn tradition for years in both the Williamsburg and Dumbo area. They've recently moved to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5 area right across from the volleyball courts and soccer fields, which is an even closer walk for me! I love going to Smorgasburg for brunch and make an effort to try something new every time.

This trip, I tried the teriyaki balls (filled with shrimp) by Mimi and Coco. They were delish! Hot and chewy, and really filling! My favorite part was the extra crunch from the cereal topping.

Matt went for a trio of Vietnamese summer rolls, filled with shrimp, steak and pork! So good. This cold version of egg rolls were the perfect compliment to the rich teriyaki balls.

You really can't beat these views of downtown Manhattan from the Brooklyn side. If you follow me on Instagram (@ohsnapitsbec), you probably notice how obsessed I am with this skyline. It reminds me every day how lucky I am to be living and working here. 

Blouse: Forever 21 (old) // White Tee: J. Crew // Shorts: Forever 21 (similar here and here) // Purse: Salvatore Ferragamo // Hat: Zara // Sunglasses: Ray Ban // Lips: MAC 'Up the Amp'

Don't mind me, I was just pretending I was at Coachella that weekend. If you're wondering what's in the paper bag I'm carrying, it was a cafe au lait donut from Dough that I took to go ;) Hope you're having a great weekend! 

xo,

Becca

Photos by: Matthew Barros