Devil's Food Cupcakes


I thought I would update you all about the Food2.com contest I won back in December. I'm going to take Eric to New York City, and we're going in the middle of May when he gets out of school. We get to tour the Food Network kitchens and have dinner with Kelsey Nixon.

The woman who has been making travel arrangements for us asked me to send her a list of my top three restaurants I would like to eat at in New York City.



Of course we'll only be able to eat at one of the restaurants. I did a little research tonight to figure out which restaurants I would like to eat at. This list is way too long, so I thought it would be fun if you could help narrow it down. Vote in the comments section which restaurant we should eat at. I will be blogging about our experience there, so you guys should pick one you're interested in.

I don't know that much about any of these restaurants, so I value your opinion.

Okay, here's my list!

-Daniel

-Jean Georges

-Babbo

-Gramercy Tavern

-Bar Americain

-Gotham Bar & Grill

-Mesa Grill

-Buddakan

-Butter


Thank you for your help and opinions! I'll update you in the next post about which restaurants had the most votes, and where we decide to go to (if we can get in).



I made Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting last week for Valentine's Day, and they were aaamazing. Isn't chocolate cake with chocolate frosting the ultimate dessert? I think so. I think that would be my all-time favorite dessert... except maybe for brownie sundaes. Mmm.

This is a basic, dark chocolate cake batter that's very moist and light. The frosting is a recipe I've used before. I've used it for many cakes in the past, and everyone always loves it.



I'm planning on using this recipe to make cupcakes (with a special filling) for my sister's baby shower coming up soon. March 6th! Yup, that's right - my older sister is having a baby girl. I'm going to have a niece sometime in early April! I can't wait.



Devil's Food Cupcakes (By Me)
Printable Recipe

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup dark or regular unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting:
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweeted cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 muffin cups with liners.

To make the cake, in a medium sized mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat oil, butter, granulated sugar and vanilla, until creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Beat in 1 cup melted chocolate chips until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until well combined, about 2-3 minutes.

Divide batter into muffin cups. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until just set, and a toothpick inserted into cake comes out with moist crumbs attached. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

To make the frosting, in a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa, salt and milk; bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Boil 1 minute or until thickened; remove pan from heat and strain mixture into a small bowl. Cool completely in the refrigerator or freezer.

Beat the butter until creamy, about 1 minute, in a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed. Beat in "chocolate pudding" mixture until well combined, about 1 minute. Beat in melted chocolate until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Spread or pipe frosting on to cupcakes.

Makes 24 cupcakes


Posted by at Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Labels: ,

71 comments:

  1. congrats on winning! My hubs and I go to New York City just to go out to dinner. :o) Our all time favorite restaurant is Becco, which is one of Lidia Bastianich's restaurants. Their food is unbelievable! They have a pasta add on to any dinner, and I think it's only around $10 or so, and the waiters just come around with fresh pasta dishes still in the pans and just put some on your plates. But out of your list, I would say to go to Babbo. That's one restaurant we've been wanting to go to. We ate at Bar Americain and I wasn't that impressed with it, but the hubs was. I hope you have fun!
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  2. Oww these are just the cutest! I absolutely love devils food cake. And with chocolate? Sounds great!
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  3. Congratulations on your upcoming trip to ny! I would definitely put Daniel on the list; Buddakan on the other hand is pretty cool but maybe not a mind-blowing tastebud experience like some others!
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  4. delurking reader alert!! hi!! :)

    honestly, i'd go with none of those. i intern at Eater NY, and i can tell you right off the bat that you need to take advantage of the harder to get into places because you've got connections.

    except for Babbo. Babbo is great.

    But these are awesome contenders:

    -Marea
    -Scapetta
    -Faustina
    -Momofuku Ko
    -Minetta Tavern
    -The Little Owl

    Congratulations!!!
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  5. That's a darn good list. I vote for
    Daniel or Jean Georges. Just put TWO names on your list and you'll have to go to one of those. WOW, that will be fabulous.

    I'm keeping that recipe handy for my next Devil's Food foray.
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  6. That sounds like such a fun trip! I've never been to New York so I can't recommend a restaurant. These cupcakes look so delicious! I love chocolate anything so these are my perfect dessert!
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  7. New York in May will be so perfect! That's a fabulous prize, many congrats. Of the restaurants on the list I'd be most interested in Babbo as I'm a big Mario Batali fan. One I didn't see listed is Thomas Keller's Per Se - that would probably be my top pick if I could go to any restaurant in NYC. You really can't go wrong with any of these options!
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  8. Oh Emily those cupcake look fantastic! I am making them asap!!!! I don't know which restaurant to vote for since I moved from NY to Virginia over 20 years ago and am not familiar with the new restaurants. Doesn't Bobby Flay own the one restaurant listed? The Mesa Grill? I would vote for that then.
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  9. I would recommend Jean Georges. it is truly an unforgettable dining experience, from the food to the presentatin to the service, it is simply divine. The best part is dessert - the menu has different themes (Chocolate, Citrus, etc.) and you get a platter with 4 outstanding desserts based on that theme. The current chocolate one is incredible - one of the choices is cocoa noodles in a mint broth with white chocolate sorbet! Can I come along, too?
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  10. mmmm I think they look fabulous!
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  11. Would you believe I haven't eaten at any of these?

    I've always wanted to eat at Butter,so I want you to go there and tell me all about it!

    Part of me would say Babbo, but while I've eaten and enjoyed meals at B&B's other restaurants, they're not as orgasm-inducing as I had often hoped.

    I have not heard a lot of good things about the Bobby Flay places, particularly Mesa Grill, so I'd avoid those. Granted I'm only going on hearsay, but the ratio of bad/good reviews of the place would scare me off.

    You might also want to consider Scarpetta.
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  12. Nothing is better than Chocolate. I think you will have so much fun in NY again!
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  13. My top 3 would be Babbo, Butter and Gramercy Tavern. (And I'd probably add 21 to the list too). So yummy.
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  14. Those cupcakes look amazing, devils food is the bomb.

    Hey, I would have to vote you try to go to Butter. Something about the name appeals to me... :D
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  15. Babbo's is simply superb Italian Dining but it should be because it's Mario Batali's place.
    And I've heard that both Bar Americain and Mesa Grill are very good and since they are Bobby Flays I could believe it!! Have fun and send me any leftovers!!! :)

    Curt in KC
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  16. Mmmm, these sound great! Chocolate on chocolate, yum. That's so exciting that you get to have dinner with Kelsey Nixon. I loved her on Next Foodnetwork Star.
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  17. Oh! I'm fascinated! I've never considered using flour in an icing before, but I can't wait to try it. and by the way, I was fascinated by the raw foods post--I can't stop thinking about raw vs not raw--Like, were my craisins this morning raw? I think so. I also think craisins are the greatest things ever...
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  18. The only two of those restaurants I've eaten at are Babbo and Gramercy Tavern. Sadly, I was slightly disappointed with both (but only slightly), I think probably because my expectations were so high to start with. Also, with Babbo, I think the food just wasn't my style.

    Union Square Cafe, on the other hand, gets all my votes. I know it's not on your list, but the food there is sooooo fresh.

    Have fun wherever you go!
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  19. Awh too bad you aren't going in March...we could have met up! I am going March 18th for a long weekend! I always try to go at least once a year to eat and shop!!!! I actually really want to try out Ninja when we go -

    http://www.ninjanewyork.com/index.html

    It's kinda pricey, but they are known for their "food presentation"...it looks sooo cool!!

    Oh, and PS your cupcakes LOOK SO GOOD!
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  20. It's gotta be Mesa Grill, or Bar Americain. Bobby Flay all the way!
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  21. Congrats on your win :D!

    Love the photos! Nice angles, but I think they would look pretty tasty in whatever light you captured them in :). The swirly tops on these = perfection.

    Have fun on your dining out adventures in the big apple :).
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  22. Have fun! The cupcakes look awesome! Love that first photo!
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  23. buddakan, gramercy tav&butter are always mentioned in celebrity sightings on my gossip sites! maybe you could spot jude law and sienna miller leaving! dont know anything about the food. am assuming if the "beautiful people" are eating there, its good! rachels pregnant??? Yea!!
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  24. Well, I went to Mesa grill in Vegas and it was really good. I know that Alex Guarnaschelli from the food network is the exec at Butter. That may be good? I have never been to NYC but my boyfriend is going in a few weeks for spring break. I told him he should get me some cute sugar cookies from Eleni's! They are so vibrant and colorful, and i wish i could make cookies like her!
    Have fun on your trip!!
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  25. Oh yeah and I saw this restaurant on the travel channel called BAMN! I'm sure you guys are going there to have nice sit down meals, but you gotta admit, this place looks cool. And they have fried mac and cheese!! My fav :)

    http://www.bamnfood.com/index.html
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  26. Now I'm craving cupcakes!

    I've only been to Buddakan on the list and while it was good, it didn't blow me away, so I pick someplace else. Of the other ones, I'd most like to try Babbo!
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  27. Hi, I just baked them and they were delicious, so light, love love love, great recipe, next time I'll use the recipe and I'll bake a make...:)

    xxxx
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  28. my one trip to nyc included a visit to mesa grill, and it was amazing. it gets my vote for sure.
    terrific cupcakes, by the way. chocolate on top of chocolate can never be bad.
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  29. sorry I don t have any idea about New York restaurants. All I know that these cupcakes look delicious and fantastic :)
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  30. Emily, These are all great restaurants, but if you want the meal of your life - go to Le Bernardin. I wrote about it on my blog: http://ciaochowlinda.blogspot.com/2010/01/dinner-at-le-bernardin.html
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  31. Daniel looks UNREAL. I've heard so many great things. I've been to the Jean George's and I loved it. Also, someone else mentioned Little Owl and would HIGHLY recommend that as well!

    PS. all the websites are UNREAL! I think Buddakan wins for the most intense!
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  32. This is why you're always one of my favourite foodbloggers! Everything you post is something I LOVE TO EAT and every shot is a beautiful picture. Heavenly. I love Devil's Food Cake and have made it a couple of times. So rich and great texture. About time I sorted it out into a cupcake no? :D x
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  33. Ooooo...yum. Those look magnificent. Congrats on being an aunt soon.
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  34. I am a foodie who lives here in New York so let me give you some very important advice: skip Bar Americain and Mesa Grill. Bobby Flay, bless his heart, is a great TV personality but not so great at the execution of a memorable restaurant dining experience. The tragedy.

    Babbo and Butter are both excellent choices. I have had unbelievable meals at both. Momofuku Ko would be my top recommendation but sadly, you will probably not be able to get a reservation here. The only way to get one is via a very frustrating and disappointing online system that is impossible to conquer. Take my word for it - I have tried.

    If you get to eat at Daniel, please take copious notes and a ridiculous amount of photos. I would love love LOVE to have a meal here.

    My last recommendation is Minetta Tavern. Many foodies who know what they're talking about have said that they've had the best meal of their year - if not life - at this place.

    Congratulations, and enjoy!
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  36. I ate at Bar Americain. It is expensive, which you don't care about since you won't be paying. But. . .if you can go anywhere you want, I don't think I'd waste a fancy dinner on that. The best part of my meal was the corn bread sticks that came in the bread basket. My chicken dish was WAAAAAY too peppery. Which says a lot, considering that I can't smell.
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  37. Thank you thank you thank you! You guys are wonderful. This was very helpful. But now I'm torn on what to do! It seems like Babbo is the popular choice, which is what I was leaning towards. I love Italian food and homemade pasta. The desserts sound amazing too. I'd really like to go to Daniel too. Those are my top two. :( I didn't put some of the harder-to-get-into restaurants on the list, because I thought it would be impossible (momofuku ko, le bernadin, per se).

    Amy, that sounds good also!

    Lucie, noted. Some others said that as well.

    Hi Evan! I have another male reader besides Curt and Ted. Thank you for your comment. I considered a few of those too. :( I dunno what to do. Babbo?

    Debbie, I've always wanted to go to Mesa Grill too. I love Bobby Flay!

    Tracey, of course!! You're more than welcome.

    Rachel, I'd love to go to Butter. That's where all the celebs hang out.

    Curt, thank you. Mario is so amazing. I think Babbo would be great.

    Day, haha you're funny.

    Anon, I agree. Bobby! He even has a new burger chain.

    Carol, no Kristin is. :) You knew that!

    Nikki, I think we might be staying an extra night, so that would be fun. :)

    Jamie, I KNOW! I love the Daniel website. The music is great.

    Hi MB, thank you for your detailed comment! So helpful. That's exactly what I thought about Momofuku..

    Amy, thanks for the warning. I thought everything on the menu sounded tasty and more "my style" but not fancy enough. I do love pepper, though!
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  38. Back to your beloved city New York how exciting for you both. I know nothing of the restaurants first hand so would be no help at all..all I can say is ENJOY!!
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  39. Mesa Grill is awesome, not as fancy (or hard to get into) as some of your other choices, but it is delicious! Also, babbo = yummo.
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  40. Daniel or Jean Georges! 2 of the BEST restaurants in the city! It would definitely be an amazing experience to get to dine there :)
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  41. I've never been, but according to foodie friends Daniel is just amazing.

    If I can add one to that list: Eleven Madison Park is the greatest dining experience I've ever had.

    And, if you have a free afternoon/evening, I'd love to buy you (and Eric!) a beer when you are here!
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  42. The only one of those restaurants I have personally eaten at is Gotham Bar and Grill, but I've been there a couple of times and I LOVE it. I had the third best meal of my life there... the first & second were at Bayona in New Orleans (Susan Spicer's restaurant).
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  43. Butter. I've always wanted to dine there, and I just love eating butter, period. :)

    I know the cupcakes will be a huge hit at your sister's shower. She will love them!
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  45. hey hey..

    did you have extra frosting with that recipe or was it the perfect amount?

    i'm making these tonight, can't wait!
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  46. I vote for Daniel. These photos are really great. I love the color- so dramatic!
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  47. First of all, your cupcakes are gorgeous!! And I've always wanted to eat at Perilla, even though it's not on your list. It's Harold's (from Top Chef season 1)restaurant and I've heard great things about it. But from your list, I haven't been to any, but I've heard Mesa Grill is amazing.
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  48. Buddakan was AMAZING! I love the city but def Buddakan, the atmosphere was so fun and the food was awesome!!
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  49. I'd pick Butter. But I guess that would be obvious with my blog name?

    I would love to go there with my BFF someday and just eat for a few days. and maybe shop. but mainly eat.
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  50. Gorgeous cupcakes and I love the swirl piped frosting on the top.
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  51. First off- Congratulations!! and second- Go to Babbo! I'm sure you couldn't go wrong with any of those on the list, but the only one I have been to is Babbo and it is amazing! Go hungry because they have so many interesting pasta and meat dishes and desserts!! I've never had flavor combinations like that before... also, a commenter mentioned The Little Owl, which is really yummy- I've had brunch there, but you could do that on your own... Have fun and enjoy!!
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  52. I vote Daniel, but really I don't think you can go wrong w/ any on your list :) Have fun!
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  53. I'd go to Babbo or Bar Americain or Mesa Grill. But I'm secretly in love with Bobby Flay and Mario Batali. You'd think I have a thing for redheads!
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  54. Congrats on the win. Alas, I've never been to New York so I can't help you. Though I'd go to Babbo since I just cooked out of that cookbook!
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  55. Your cupcakes turned out great! The cake part was light and moist, and the frosting was very creamy! Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
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  56. Go to Butter! I've never been, but I hear about celebrities going there all the time. You can pretend you're one of the Gossip Girls! Yesssssss
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  57. Yum, yum, yum, dont they look gorgeous?! i'm surrounded by delicious cupcakes these days and basically live on them - theres just too many places ive to eat at while in sydney! not that i'm complaining... ;D
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  58. I cant help you on the recommendation, but boy, do those cupcakes look amazing! And love the use of a different frosting, I must try it out!
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  59. Great win! NYC will be such fun. My daughter lives there so I'm there a lot.
    Daniel of course....hope you can get in. Jean Georges is my second choice.

    Super deep and dark cupcake!
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  60. Congratulations!! You get to go back to your city and with Eric this time!!! It's so different when you go with someone you love- you get to see the romantic side!!

    Choosing only 3 restaurants is going to be so hard!! I have a hard time narrowing down restaurants when visiting a smaller city let alone in New York!

    I'll vote after I've looked at all the choices . . . btw I doubt you'll have a problem getting in considering they arranging everything- and you'll probably get the VIP treatment which is even sweeter!!
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  61. Congrats, emily!!! You won!! Yeah!! that will be a lot of fun for you & eric!!

    Enjoy!!

    these cupcakes look so adorable & so tasty too!

    MMMMMMMM,...
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  62. Recently, at the beginning of February, I went to Spice Market (in the meatpacking district), which is one of Jean Georges's restaurants, and it was amazing! I went at night so I'm not sure if the lighting would change, but the second I walked in, I felt like I was in a completely different place! There are two levels inside and tons of adornments on the walls, but not so much you feel suffocated haha. The The food was amazing too (asian-thai-indian fusion), and the waiters know their stuff. I did the 5-course tasting menu, and the standout items were: Chicken Samosas with cilantro yogurt (to diee for), Tempura Onions with avocado and radish with chinese mustard (sounds terrible, but it was my favorite), ginger fried jasmine rice (ah!), and some others. Dessert: Thai Jewels (exotic fruits and coconut ice in a coconut milk broth. BEST.) and Ovaltine Kulfi with caramelized popcorn & quenelle of whipped cream. Overall, it was amazing.
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  63. Huge congrats. My vote is for Mesa Grill, since it's the only one on the list I've been to. It's fantastic!
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  64. Congrats on winning. As for where to eat - Mesa Grill all the way!!!!! I have been going there for years and it is def one of my favs. Their roasted shrimp and corn tamale is the best restaurant appetizer I have ever had.
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  65. Your cupcakes look so yummy !
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  66. I am not familiar with the restaurants, but I'd love to be familiar with one of those chocolatey cuppies! I have a devils food cake sitting at home waiting to be frosted for my boss's birthday tomorrow. This morning, I read that the frosting is supposed to sit for 5 hours before use - as I don't get home until after 7pm, I don't think the frosting will be waiting that long.
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  67. BTW, congrats and have fun in NYC!
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  68. Thanks again everyone.

    Natalie, perfect amount.

    Sarah, that'd be fun! We must do it! We can go to John's.

    Yatee, I went to Spice Market two years ago, and it was incredible. We just went for a cheap(er) lunch though, so I'd love to go back.
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  69. I know I'm late to comment but I would recommend Butter and definitely skip Mesa Grill. It's not horribly by any means but there are certainly better choices :)
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  70. Hi, I'm thinking about making a cake with this recipe, so what cake pan size do you think I'll need?

    thanks :)
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  71. Chiming in a bit late, but I think y'all watch to much Food Network and their PR.

    Try these places.

    Momofuku Ssam Bar or Momofuku Noodle Bar
    Momofuku Milk Bar (Since you love baking)
    Degustation
    Per Se
    Sushi Yasuda
    The Little Owl
    Almondine Bakery

    Skip any of the Food Network Chef restaurants. Not a fan of any Bobby Flay's restaurant. Mario Batali's joints aren't bad. Babbo is hard to get into but you almost always get into Lupa and its not that expensive. Butter..
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