my new favorite "and"

I seem to go out for "coffee and" a lot more in New York than I ever did in Boston, perhaps because the pastries are so much more tempting here, all pressed up against the front window display begging you to come in and sample. Will it be the delicious giant marble cookie on the Lower East Side today? Or the mini eclair (only 75 cents!) at de Robertis Pasticceria on 1st? Or a trip to Artopolis in Astoria for some sinful work of chocolate art? This bakery is not to be missed, I tell you! There are some Artopolis mini confections available at the Grand Central Market; but for the full experience, you must go to the source. In addition to the beautiful tarts and cookies, they make a magnificent focaccia called "the Mediteranean" that in my opinion is an ideal hostess gift, or a dramatic centerpiece at your own dinner party. I will not tell you the price. You will just have to take the N or the W all the way to the end and be shocked and delighted all on your own. Be sure to take someone you like and share the full experience over a cappucino.

The other day, with someone I like, I ducked into a warm place to get out of the slushy snow and refuel. The coffee was delicious, the seating and eavesdropping quite good, and the "and" is now my new favorite. It is light and flakey, dusted with cinnamon and shaped like a giant pretzel! The dough has a hint of almond. And I think calorie-wise it is a nice light option, especially if you share it. I found it at Hot & Crusty on Lex and 77th. Next time I go, I will take a picture to show you. (please note: this picture has been added on January 6, after seeking out another Hot & Crusty at Penn Station on the way to buy fabric. Although it got a little crushed in my bag en route, I have reconstructed it here for your future enjoyment.) All I have to say is yum!