Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Chikalicious

Chikalicious

203 East 10th Street
New York, NY 10009
(212) 475-0929

I admit that the website does not provide the most appealing look for this dessert bar, but trust me when I say it is worth going it. It can be a little confusing when arriving at Chikalicious because there are two locations that are directly across the street from one another. There is a small bakery like store where you can order desserts to go and to enjoy in their extremely small and cozy cafe where reservations are not needed. 

There is then an upgraded dessert bar across the street with a black and white interior, more updated and classic look. This is where you must make reservations to ensure seating because trust me when I say, it is worth visiting. With a different menu everyday, Chikalicious Japanese chefs puts a twist to the traditional dessert goodies, infusing and pairing with all different kinds of fruits and pastries that is extremely unexpected. 

The one recommendation that I have to make is the Brown Sugar Panna cotta. It is amazing and literally melts in your mouth. Desserts are extremely small in size, most guests order a plate each and share between the group, I do admit that I would have probably ordered the whole menu if I didn't have to make a few more stops at other dessert locations in the area. Nonetheless, it is worth the price that you pay for each plating, although it is considered to be a bit more pricey for many. 

The environment is set for a night atmosphere, after a romantic dinner. I suggest it as a spot to go to after a date, but there is no harm in going with a few friends. Be sure to make reservations because it is a small location and hours of operation is from late 3pm into the night, catering to guests of the nightlife. 

Restaurant Review - Kyotofu

The dessert bar and Japanese yum is a popular restaurant back in New York for its famous desserts. Opening one by Itaewon at the Hanganjin station in Hannam, this spot has been on my list for a while now. Finally paying a visit to the restaurant, which is extremely easy to get to from the train station, it is a place I recommend for small groups, especially dates.

This restaurant is extremely small and cozy in size, but there doesn't seem to be any long lines. They offer reservations online which can be made for the more popular nights, but wait should not be a problem. They also have a takeout menu for those who are on the go or looking to have some goodies, but would prefer not to eat in a restaurant alone.

In regards to the food at Kyotofu, every dish is spot on with a modern twist on each American selection. I love the infusion of Asian and American, recommending practically every dish at Kyotofu. For starters, the recommended is their sliders which includes the prawn, crab meat, and chicken-tofu slider which is palm size. As for the main course, you can never go wrong with sushi, but it can be a bit pricey for something that is not so fresh. Then again, dinner isn't the main course here; the best part about the restaurant, of course, is the dessert.

Unable to decide what I wanted, I ordered the chefs special, Dessert Omakase Season, which practically included a sample of each dessert. It was a perfect three course dessert to share between two. The starter included a fruit jelly that is paired with a confetti sugar. Next course consisted of three desserts which included an orange chocolate creme brûlée, a blueberry cheesecake, and the match green tea ice-cream. Every dessert is blasted with flavors, not enough to go around. The last course of the dessert consisted of four mini pastries which included Japanese flavored fudge and cookies. The one part of the dessert which did not provide any hype was the mini cookies and cakes because it was a little on the dry end. I prefer cookies that are soft and chewy, but these cookies are best paired with a cup of coffee. 

Not getting enough of the desserts in the restaurant, I had two take home goodies as well. This includes the extremely popular Yuzu Tofu tart and the Miso Chocolate cupcake. I sure wanted to take home a few more goodies, but I just couldn't help it.

Exit three from Hanganjin station on line 6. Go straight and it will be on your left.

Address: Yongsan-gu, Hannam Dong 682-1
Phone: 02-749-1488