The festive factor was running high at last night's Taste of the Lower East Side, the 8th Annual fundraiser for the Grand Street Settlement. Forty neighborhood eateries pitched in to benefit Grand Street's programs that assist low-income Lower East Side residents, and they showcased some of their best dishes for the crowd of well over 1,000 people. more ›

The sweet potato is one of those vegetables (you know, the kind with a little sugar in the tank). It goes both ways—sweet and savory—as versatile as the pumpkin or the carrot. Skeptical? Then sweet potato pie might win you over. When roasted, the tuber develops an alluring caramel nuttiness. Mashed with spices and the usual suspects (butter, sugar, eggs), it makes for a subtle custard filling. In fact in this pie form the vegetable shines better than in its syrupy cousin, that marshmallow-festooned casserole that also shows up this time of year. That gives you a good excuse for adding the pie to the Thanksgiving lineup next week. In the city, you can find a classic version of this dessert, which has its roots in the African-American cuisine of the South, at Make My Cake in Harlem ($11). Abu’s in Bed Stuy creates, in addition to regular size ($12), adorable individual pies ($2). For a more dressed-up confection, check out Two Little Red Hens, which adds pecans to the mix ($19 for 6”). Sugar Sweet Sunshine will also bake a sweet potato pie to order ($18). For all these shops, due to holiday demand, it’s best to call in advance. more ›

October 14: Union Square Chocolate Lover’s Walking Tour more ›

Stemming from a short piece in the Voice journalist Nerz writes about the history of competitive eating, tracks day to day training of the superstars and his own adventures in hope of gastrointestinal glory. more ›

Ever since we first found out about MaxDelivery.com it's made us lazier, and it's probably responsible for putting at least 5 lbs on us. However, when you live on the 5th floor of a walkup and it's raining out...nothing really beats it. more ›

New York Magazine has released its Best of New York issue today, which includes some of its favorite food picks. Some argue that the restaurant pr machine has skewed the results, at least of the five new and noteworthy restaurants, but we're happy with at least some of the more valid-seeming choices scattered about the rest of the list. more ›

New Yorkers' love for cupcakes have made them a staple snack, sweet treat, or office birthday party surprise as the household names Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Magnolia Bakery, and Billy's Bakery spark visions of buttery sweet frosting, densely rich cake, and the playfulness of a childhood birthday party. Despite cupcakes' trendiness, last weekend when Gothamist was at a wedding, we were still surprised that in lieu of a wedding cake, the husband-and-wife to be opted for a cupcake tower! more ›

During the week of September 26 through October 2, visit any participating bakery in NYC - including Billy's Bakery, Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Buttercup Bakeshop, SoHo Cupcake Company, Little Pie, Company, Crumb's, Two Little Red Hens, William Greenberg Bakery, Amy's Bread, and more - and mention that you want to support Cupcakes for a Cause™. Each bakery will donate part of their proceeds to the CancerCare for Kids™ program, which provides free professional support services to children and families affected by cancer. If you buy 24 or more Cupcakes for a Cause™ this week you will be entered into a raffle to win prizes. more ›

Today: Danny Meyer's Shake Shack re-opens. People are all in a tizzy about this place. We have to admit, we like the burgers at the Burger Joint more, but we haven't tried the famed dogs and custard yet. It's only open from 11-4 through April, but extended hours start May 1st. Madison Square Park, Southeast Corner. more ›

. Okay, maybe we have a few suggestions up our sleeve... more ›

Hey There, Cupcake!: 35 Yummy Fun Cupcake Recipes For All Occasions by Clare Crespo (Melcher Media, 2004) more ›

Gothamist on NY's love of cupcakes, cupcake roots and sending cupcakes from NYC to LA.
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Usually, Ask Gothamist is sort of like your mother: We tell you to be nice to your neighbors, mind your manners, eat your vegetables, and avoid junk food. But this week, Ask Gothamist advises you to eat as many cupcakes as you can - because it's Cupcakes for a Cause week. more ›

Last week, the Daily News made some adults and children test the city's cupcakes and the Times on the best cupcakes in the city. NY magazine on more places for sweets. more ›