Serendipity Cafe -- Real or Only in Movies?
Nov 6th, 2001, 11:18 AM
#21
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Frank - thanks for the other branches of my fave shops! I live on the Upper West Side and work primarily in Midtown West so I don't get around much on 14th St or Midtown East. I have heard I should go to Grand Central for their food shops - I haven't been there in a few years. Maybe I will for some holiday shopping this year...
Nov 6th, 2001, 11:22 AM
#22
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Anthony I am a NY for about 17 years now, no not native. I was actually introduced to Serendipity by native NYC’s. I have not been since 88? Remember it being a fun place for kids, do not remember pastries but ice cream being the fix here. Friends recommended the frozen hot chocolate.
To the people who think they can get great desserts at Costco, THINK AGAIN. We are probably at the tale end of what chefs around the world are referring to as a golden age of food. You can't compare the craftsmanship of a pastry chef to food club frozen/preserved products.
NY is a very big part of this golden age of food. Dessert shops here are wonderful, City bakery mentioned about has a chef (Maury Rubin) that is one this countries leading pastry chefs. One other that I have not tried but have read about is Magnolia famous for it’s humming bird cake, German chocolate, and cup cakes.Ok now I am food fixed but honestly to go for Costco when you can eat pastries prepared by a leading chef or even flown in from Europe/Asia (Tokyo)in NY is beyond me.
To the people who think they can get great desserts at Costco, THINK AGAIN. We are probably at the tale end of what chefs around the world are referring to as a golden age of food. You can't compare the craftsmanship of a pastry chef to food club frozen/preserved products.
NY is a very big part of this golden age of food. Dessert shops here are wonderful, City bakery mentioned about has a chef (Maury Rubin) that is one this countries leading pastry chefs. One other that I have not tried but have read about is Magnolia famous for it’s humming bird cake, German chocolate, and cup cakes.Ok now I am food fixed but honestly to go for Costco when you can eat pastries prepared by a leading chef or even flown in from Europe/Asia (Tokyo)in NY is beyond me.
Nov 6th, 2001, 02:45 PM
#23
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Sarah:
I never implied that I don't enjoy fine dining - I fact, I've been to probably the top restaurants in the major cities ; in New Orleans, Bayonna, Brigstens, & Commanders Palace comes to mind: in Chicago, I had a WONDERFUL experience at Charle Trotter's, Printers Row, and Le Francais(the restaurant in Wheeling); in Seattle, Rovers, Dahlia Lounge, Wild Ginger (My favorite),& Campagne: in San Fran, there's Chez Pannisse,Aqua, Masas,and my favorite, Zuni Cafe;in Phoenix/Scottsdale, there's Vincent Gurithaualt on Camelback,Roxsand ( My favorite), and Christophers; and in Miami, there's Chef Allen, Pacific Time, Nemo's and China Grill. Here in NY, I have enjoyed Le Bernadin, Union Square Cafe, Gotham Bar & Grill,4 Seasons, & Union Pacific among others.
But in almost every city, while I do have dessert with my dinner, I never just go out after dinner for dessert. THAT was my point. In fact, you say so yourself that you haven't been back to Serendipity's since '88, and you live in NYC. THAT was my point.
I never implied that I don't enjoy fine dining - I fact, I've been to probably the top restaurants in the major cities ; in New Orleans, Bayonna, Brigstens, & Commanders Palace comes to mind: in Chicago, I had a WONDERFUL experience at Charle Trotter's, Printers Row, and Le Francais(the restaurant in Wheeling); in Seattle, Rovers, Dahlia Lounge, Wild Ginger (My favorite),& Campagne: in San Fran, there's Chez Pannisse,Aqua, Masas,and my favorite, Zuni Cafe;in Phoenix/Scottsdale, there's Vincent Gurithaualt on Camelback,Roxsand ( My favorite), and Christophers; and in Miami, there's Chef Allen, Pacific Time, Nemo's and China Grill. Here in NY, I have enjoyed Le Bernadin, Union Square Cafe, Gotham Bar & Grill,4 Seasons, & Union Pacific among others.
But in almost every city, while I do have dessert with my dinner, I never just go out after dinner for dessert. THAT was my point. In fact, you say so yourself that you haven't been back to Serendipity's since '88, and you live in NYC. THAT was my point.
Nov 6th, 2001, 06:38 PM
#24
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Anthony, thanks for the frozen cream puffs tip, if I ever get somebody to take me to a Costco I'll know what to head for.
I believe I understand and agree with you about going out for dessert. People don't do it so much anymore, I don't think--I grew up with soda shoppes, sundaes, etc. In New York however, at least downtown, people do go to places, especially Italian places, for coffee and pastry, wouldn't you say? But not sundaes.
I like to go to de Robertis or Veniero's on First Avenue, or Bruno's Bakery on LaGuardia Place. Lots of people who go to the Indian restaurants on 6th street go to one of the Italian places for dessert.
I believe I understand and agree with you about going out for dessert. People don't do it so much anymore, I don't think--I grew up with soda shoppes, sundaes, etc. In New York however, at least downtown, people do go to places, especially Italian places, for coffee and pastry, wouldn't you say? But not sundaes.
I like to go to de Robertis or Veniero's on First Avenue, or Bruno's Bakery on LaGuardia Place. Lots of people who go to the Indian restaurants on 6th street go to one of the Italian places for dessert.
Nov 7th, 2001, 04:04 AM
#25
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Elizabeth:
Yes, Costco cn be the place for some great buys on food and hard goods, as long as you know your prices - and just because it's a warehouse club, doesn't automatically mean there's nothing of good quality there - I'm no snob when it comes to value.
Growing up on LI (I've been a Manhattanite since '83)my family would visit Manhattan every weekend. Being Chinese, we would have Dim Sum in Chinatown, where my Mom and grandma would also grocery shop. I remember a great bakery called Blums on 59th St, near Bloomingdales, where we would get baked goods. Unfrotunately, many of the cities local bakeries have vanished -
I did find last week, though, a nice Italian Pastry shop in the Clinton (Hells Kitchen) neighborhood;Pozzo Pastry Shop, @ 690 9th Ave & 47th St - webought a Real Italian (Ricotta Cheese) Cheesecake that was wonderful! Try it out!
Yes, Costco cn be the place for some great buys on food and hard goods, as long as you know your prices - and just because it's a warehouse club, doesn't automatically mean there's nothing of good quality there - I'm no snob when it comes to value.
Growing up on LI (I've been a Manhattanite since '83)my family would visit Manhattan every weekend. Being Chinese, we would have Dim Sum in Chinatown, where my Mom and grandma would also grocery shop. I remember a great bakery called Blums on 59th St, near Bloomingdales, where we would get baked goods. Unfrotunately, many of the cities local bakeries have vanished -
I did find last week, though, a nice Italian Pastry shop in the Clinton (Hells Kitchen) neighborhood;Pozzo Pastry Shop, @ 690 9th Ave & 47th St - webought a Real Italian (Ricotta Cheese) Cheesecake that was wonderful! Try it out!
Nov 7th, 2001, 06:21 AM
#26
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First, the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity is worth a visit - although, like others who've posted, I'm a huge fan of Magnolia Bakery and Cupcake Cafe, and let's not forget the cheesecake place on the UES whose name is escaping me right now...
Second, I personally feel that the sign of a person who truly appreciates all good food is one who doesn't feel the need to distinguish between Costco and pastry at Gramercy Tavern. Sure, we are quite fortunate to be able to access French pastries, Japanese delicacies, and tiramisu created by skilled Italian chefs. But can't one find just as much joy in the discovery of a cheapo frozen cream puff from Costco? More expensive doesn't always mean better! Don't get me wrong: I LOVE going out to dinner and my credit card statements attest to the fact that I tend to spend a lot of money on food. But I love all good food, not just stuff from the "finest" restaurants in town!
Second, I personally feel that the sign of a person who truly appreciates all good food is one who doesn't feel the need to distinguish between Costco and pastry at Gramercy Tavern. Sure, we are quite fortunate to be able to access French pastries, Japanese delicacies, and tiramisu created by skilled Italian chefs. But can't one find just as much joy in the discovery of a cheapo frozen cream puff from Costco? More expensive doesn't always mean better! Don't get me wrong: I LOVE going out to dinner and my credit card statements attest to the fact that I tend to spend a lot of money on food. But I love all good food, not just stuff from the "finest" restaurants in town!
Nov 7th, 2001, 06:35 AM
#27
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Hey I love Cost co.
If you've never been dont knock it.
Like Anthony I have been to some of the finest restaurants everywhere. But in some cases spending $15 for a dessert that wasnt worth 1/4 of that.
Cost Co makes really good carrott cake, fruit tarts and apple pies. It especially good when having large parties. There huge! Spending $15 a person on pastries for your holiday gathering is just not realistic for everyone. Not once have we served Cost Co. baked goods has anyone done anything but raved about them.
And I agree the frozen cream puffs are the best. There not made by Cost Co. but they are a must when visiting.
I may be speaking for Anthony but it seems that he was just saying that many people dont spend time going out for just dessert when they quality of products you can buy in a store is so high.
Go to serpendipity. You'll be able to say you where there and it will be a NY experience everyone should do at least once.
If you've never been dont knock it.
Like Anthony I have been to some of the finest restaurants everywhere. But in some cases spending $15 for a dessert that wasnt worth 1/4 of that.
Cost Co makes really good carrott cake, fruit tarts and apple pies. It especially good when having large parties. There huge! Spending $15 a person on pastries for your holiday gathering is just not realistic for everyone. Not once have we served Cost Co. baked goods has anyone done anything but raved about them.
And I agree the frozen cream puffs are the best. There not made by Cost Co. but they are a must when visiting.
I may be speaking for Anthony but it seems that he was just saying that many people dont spend time going out for just dessert when they quality of products you can buy in a store is so high.
Go to serpendipity. You'll be able to say you where there and it will be a NY experience everyone should do at least once.
Nov 7th, 2001, 09:28 AM
#28
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...live in the city by that I mean Manhattan not the burbs and perhaps that is the difference here. I agree I would never pass up a chef's pastry for Costco, have been think the comparison is ludicrous. Did not seem like anyone was knocking Costco LOL just the comparison.
Serendipity is fun for families skip the movie unless you are a teen.
Serendipity is fun for families skip the movie unless you are a teen.
Nov 7th, 2001, 11:40 AM
#30
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Kathy, I lived in NYC until a month ago, when I moved to Connecticut... so a second NYer was defending Costco. I find it amusing that you say you'd "never pass up a chef's pastry for Costco;" I'm sure there are plenty of unappealing "chef's" pastries and wonder how you can be so certain Costco cream puffs aren't made by a chef somewhere! Anyway, I'm not saying Costco's pastries are up there with Claudia Fleming's, but they each have their own good aspects.
Apr 21st, 2002, 09:22 AM
#31
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We just returned from a visit to NYC, which was wonderful overall. However, i must express our great disapointment in Serendipity. After so much anticipation, even our kids were disappointed.
Firt, we waited for an hour for a table. Realizing space is at a premium in NYC, we were prepared for the tiny table we were given.
The Frozzen Hotchocalate was good, but not GREAT, nor worth the price. The hot fudge was DELICIOUS however, and THAT was worth every penny.
Question -- WHERE is the store? Did we miss it? Upon entering the front door, we saw a few items behind a glass on the one side, and a few items on the counter near the cash register. Is THAT the store?
Sorry folk, IMHO, with the vast array of NYC eateries / places for dessert, I'm incredulous that Serendipity is so popular!
Am I missing something? If so, clue me in! Thanks!
Firt, we waited for an hour for a table. Realizing space is at a premium in NYC, we were prepared for the tiny table we were given.
The Frozzen Hotchocalate was good, but not GREAT, nor worth the price. The hot fudge was DELICIOUS however, and THAT was worth every penny.
Question -- WHERE is the store? Did we miss it? Upon entering the front door, we saw a few items behind a glass on the one side, and a few items on the counter near the cash register. Is THAT the store?
Sorry folk, IMHO, with the vast array of NYC eateries / places for dessert, I'm incredulous that Serendipity is so popular!
Am I missing something? If so, clue me in! Thanks!
Jun 6th, 2002, 07:59 PM
#33
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Maybe all the hype about it gave too high expectations.Although not many people complain about Serendipity.
Glad the Hot Fudge Sundae was good at least.
The "store" is up front as you stand in line . Also, you can buy anthing in the place, the stained glass lamp over your table? you can buy it.
Glad you enjoyed your visit otherwise.
Glad the Hot Fudge Sundae was good at least.
The "store" is up front as you stand in line . Also, you can buy anthing in the place, the stained glass lamp over your table? you can buy it.
Glad you enjoyed your visit otherwise.
Jun 7th, 2002, 09:25 AM
#40
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I remember being in Serendipity when my son was about 2 years old.Needless to say,he was cute.
Goldie Hawn and her then husband, the Hudson brother were there.
She came over and sat down and played with my son for a minute.
We all had frozen hot chocolates together.
Another time,we were there for a birthday celebration,and Vincent Price and his wife,the dragon,were there.He signed an autograph for the birthday girl , Happy Birthday,Vincent Price.
So aside from the food,which is always good,we have good memories of fun at Serendipity.
Goldie Hawn and her then husband, the Hudson brother were there.
She came over and sat down and played with my son for a minute.
We all had frozen hot chocolates together.
Another time,we were there for a birthday celebration,and Vincent Price and his wife,the dragon,were there.He signed an autograph for the birthday girl , Happy Birthday,Vincent Price.
So aside from the food,which is always good,we have good memories of fun at Serendipity.
