Day 26: The Sugar Rush

Photo of the Day: Just Desserts

It it possible to be both jittery and exhausted at the same time? With huge quantities of sugar, absolutely you can. Today the Bravo network was promoting the launch of its new reality series Top Chef Just Desserts by handing out FREE desserts on the streets of Manhattan. Yes, it is just as glorious as it sounds. And luckiest of coincidences! They happened to park their distribution truck literally right in front of our office building. On the menu were cupcakes from Billy's Bakery, cookies from Momofuku Milk Bar, Breyers Ice Cream, Godiva truffles, and Extra Dessert Delights chewing gum. I managed to down all of the above over the course of an hour and somehow overlooked the possibility that this quantity of sugar might have some adverse physical effect; I was simultaneously wired and tired all day. While all the desserts were exquisite, I have to give the top prize to Momofuku's compost cookie. Best cookie I've eaten ever. I didn't realize at the time that the ingredients consisted of a mishmash of pretzels, potato chips, coffee, oats, butterscotch, and chocolate chips, but it was so heavenly that by the time I found out, it didn't really matter anymore. It may sound like a strange combination, but the chewy, delectable goodness is proof enough that it works.

After work, some co-workers and I visited a nearby bar we discovered on Yelp.com called Whiskey Trader. It is a fantastic joint with affordable and tasty drinks, free popcorn, and great energy, but not too loud and not too crowded. It had an old New York feel to it with classy themed murals on the walls but was still very modern and chic. There was nothing especially remarkable about it, but it seems like a nice local hangout spot to keep in mind for the future. On the other hand, the combination of sugar, alcohol, and lack of sleep is wrecking havoc on my mind right now, so I think it's time to call it a night.

A half-eaten Godiva chocolate lava cake truffle.

Roasted duck banh mi sandwiches from Hing Won Express in Midtown. Houston banh mi will always have a place in my heart as the tastiest and cheapest in the nation, but how could I pass up an entire sub of roasted duck at $7?

Happy hour mojitos and martinis with co-workers at Whiskey Trader.

Scenes from Queens No. 1: I walk by a garden with these blooms as big as my head every morning, and I've always wanted to take a picture of them. So finally I did.

Scenes from Queens No. 2: I walk by this statue on my way home from work every night, and I've always wanted to take a picture of it. So finally I did.

Scenes from Queens No. 3: The lights made cool starburst patterns on this person's driveway.