Who is winning the FroYo Wars?

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Two words: Orange Leaf.

From time-to-time, we get invited to some fun events. But this one was a bit more personal. Our friends were working on the grand opening of a brand new Frozen Yogurt establishment called Orange Leaf, a self-serve, choose-your-own-toppings, frozen dessert chain – and we were lucky enough to score an invite!*

Of course there was more than one jab at “opening a fro yo place on the coldest day of the year” – but honestly – when are you NOT in the mood for a delicious frozen treat? Answer: Never.

So off we trekked to Murray Hill. It’s a great location actually – right beneath a gym (who doesn’t want to reward themselves with a low fat treat after a tough spin class) and a block away from the Kips Bay movie theater.

Danielle doing some tasting 

The flavors are great. Our (Anne & Danielle’s) mutual favorite was the English Toffee.  Coconut, Peanut Butter, Wedding Cake, Chocolate Mint and Cookie Cake (with Oreo!) ALL ranked close seconds. They also pair up flavors that mix well together so that you can swirl them (hello Chocolate and PB!)

The COOKIE BAR! 

What stands out about Orange Leaf is the cookie bar. That’s right kids – a COOKIE BAR.

 The store launched in conjunction with a great charity called Cookies for Kids Cancer. They raise funds through local bake sales to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancer. They are providing their delicious cookies as toppings! Brilliant! The topping bar also includes favorites like Butterfinger, M&Ms, Heath bar and lots and lots of fruit. But it’s the cookies that stand out. There were about eight different flavors (traditional chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, dark chocolate mint, etc) and who knew they would pair perfectly with FroYo?!

With Foodie In NYC Friend Brittany! 

So if you find yourself in Murray Hill with a hankering for something sweet (or tangy – they have a great Classic Tart flavor too!) give Orange Leaf a try!

Thumbs up for Fro Yo!

Orange Leaf

608 Second Avenue

(between 33rd Street and 34th Street)

New York, NY 10016

Also check them out on Facebook and Twitter

*Disclosure: we were provided a $5 coupon 

Guest Post: Red Cat, Where the Apps, Sides and Desserts are the Stars

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Friend of the Foodies in NYC Samantha Wolf dines at Red Cat. Here is her FIRST Foodies' review!
I have now been to Red Cat twice, both times with FoodiesinNYC Danielle, and after trying a substantial portion of the menu between the two of us, we figured out a plan to get the best of the best at this cozy Chelsea restaurant: stick with the starters, sides and dessert.

During our most recent excursion we went in with this plan in mind and it was hard not to get distracted by the delicious entrée selections – a variety of American-style fish and meat dishes – but we stuck to our guns and it was definitely the right move.

One of the must try dishes is the baked polenta, served in a cast iron skillet with stewed tomatoes and parmesan: it is almost like lasagna but even more cheesy and delicious.  Pretty sure both Danielle and I burnt our mouths trying to get at this as soon as it hit the table.

One of the restaurant’s staples is the light tempura of green beans with sweet hot mustard. These lightly battered string beans are awesome, but they were a little undercooked making them more greasy than tempura should be  the second time so they didn’t live up to our expectations.  The menu is seasonal and is constantly changing, but we fell in love with the butternut squash special side that appeared on the November menu – it was perfection. Even though my dining companion is proud to call herself a carnivore, we went completely vegetarian and Danielle wasn’t left craving a filet for dessert.

Lastly, we discovered what may be one of the best desserts in NYC here on our first visit: Pistachio Semifreddo. I am a dessert lover and I can honestly say this is one of the best desserts I have had, maybe ever.  The pistachio ice cream sat atop a soft brownie and was doused in dark chocolate sauce which hardened after it hit the ice cream.  Heaven.  On our second visit we tried their seasonal semifreddo, which was solid but in no way compared to the pistachio dream.

So far, everything I have tried at Red Cat has been delicious, but if you want to do it right, stick to a sampling feast of the sides and starters and top it off with dessert.  And don’t forget the wine!  If they have a T-Vine’s Grenache you won’t regret it – make sure to get the full bottle.

Samantha Wolf is a PR prof and a frequent diner in downtown Manhattan. As a pescatarian, she loves sushi, all things veggie and anything with truffle oil. Her favorite course is dessert.  

Red Cat 

227 Tenth Ave (Between 23rd Street and 24th Street)

212-242-0199

http://www.theredcat.com/redcat.php

Did you know that Christa Conte moonlights?

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Foodies In NYC founding member and Hoboken resident Christa Conte is CHEATING on us! That’s right folks, our own Ms. Conte has been MOONLIGHTING as a contributor to the ever-popular Hoboken Patch! THE NERVE! If her posts weren’t totally fabulous and mouthwatering, we would be totally pissed. But it’s Christa! And to know her is to love her. So from time to time we will share her posts on FoodiesInNYC.com because ….well…even people in New Jersey gotta eat! :)

In her most recent post called “Dining on a Dime,” Christa offers fantastic tips on making the most of the deals on Groupon, Living Social and other local “Deals” sites. Also check out Christa’s past Patch posts (say that 3 times fast…) here.