Patisserie Claude

Any West Village resident has probably stopped in (or at least strolled by) Claude's on West 4th Street. This teeny, unassuming bakery has the flakiest pastries outside of Paris - and their meringues are incredible as well. This morning, I wanted to treat myself to a special breakfast. (After spending two days on Nantucket and indulging in amazing oysters, crab cakes, rabbit tagine, clam chowder, and chicken liver pâté at TOPPER'S and Brant Point Grill, I didn't eat much last night and was finally hungry again this morning.) I got a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant). It's fabulous! I just finished it and I am now picking up the flakes of crumbs to eat. Their croissants are great too, but I was craving something sweet this morning. If you live in the West Village, or are in the neighborhood around breakfast time, definitely stop in for a latte and a pastry. Or pick up some meringues for a dinner party dessert!


Patisserie Claude
187 West 4th Street (between Barrow and Jones)
New York, NY 10014

Cisco Brewery

I was in Nantucket two weekends ago and stopped at Cisco Brewery - a local brewery on the island (which is also a distillery and a vineyard). It's out by Bartlett Farms and is surrounded by farmland. It was a sunny May day and all the locals were there with their dogs. We did the beer tasting - so much fun. We tried 10 different beers, all served in mini beer steins. My favorites were the Whale Tail Pale Ale and the Grey Lady wheat beer. (Whale Tail Pale Ale is now available in a lot of Whole Foods.) I knew Jamie would like the Bailey's Blonde Ale - a really hoppy variety - so I brought him home a growler as a souvenir. Some people did the wine tasting which was cool too with creative blends like Pinot Gris with cranberry. If you find yourself in Nantucket, this is a great way to spend an afternoon! (Also, stay at the White Elephant Cottages! I'm biased, but they're super cute and right near town.)