Shopsin's, Doughnut Plant, The Daily Show, Luke's Lobster and Caracas Arepas

On one of the first days of my staycation, I took J to all my classic haunts.  We tried to do a tour at the UN, but due to time constraints, we skipped it and headed down to my favorite neighborhood to my favorite breakfast spot: Shopsin's.

My classic, very boring, but the joy of my life breakfast at Shopsin's featuring wheat toast, the best little pork sausage links and bright, perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs

Chocolate chip peanut butter pancakes.  I am not sure why I have never thought of this myself, but this pancake was genius: chocolate chip pancakes sandwiching melty peanut butter.  Seriously, thisiswhyIlovethisplacesodamnmuch.  We ordered a half order which came as two "sandwiches."  Perfect!

I selected "Blisters on My Sister" for J to eat since I knew it was right up his alley.  In fact, it's right up anyone's alley who likes their food as one big mess.  The dish is served in super hot stainless steel skillets, and features nice long-graned rice, huge ol' black beans and red kidney beans, hot salsa, two sunny side up eggs, tortillas and a whole buncha cheese all mushed together.  Shopsin's has a whole bunch of other variations as well with option to add in chorizo for a few dollars more.

Close up of the mess.  I tried a bite and really loved it.  Soooo flavorful and sort of healthy with the unbelievable amount of beans they included in the dish. I might have to come back and try some of their other variations!

Then we headed to my beloved Doughnut Plant to grab some doughnuts as fuel while waiting in line at The Daily Show.  I scored tickets for the show featuring special guests Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.  Amaazing!  Just a tip for those who are looking to get tickets to The Daily Show or The Colbert Report - check in the morning the day of the show.  Around 8a or 9a, the shows typically release 30-40 tickets for grabs.  That is how we got ours, and how I recommend for you to get yours next time.

Blueberry doughnuts were the seasonal doughnut of the moment, but we opted for my two faves: the blackout + the tres leches.

The blackout doughnut in all its glory: chocolate cake covered in a chocolate glaze and topped with devil's food cake.

Oh, and did I mention, filled with chocolate goodness?  This doughnut was ever so decadent and ever so wonderful.  The cake doughnut was completely moist, sweet and rich.

The signature tres leches doughnut

Made with three types of milk (hence the name): evaporated milk, cream and condensed milk

As an ultra-condensed milk fan, I was elated with the condensed milk ring inside the doughnut.  Sofriggin'amazing.

J and I tried to decide which we preferred more, but to be honest, they were both ridiculously good.  You really could not go wrong with either, so it is best that you just get both.  Really.  Do it.

After the show (which was great fun), we walked to the subway and passed this bus.  Shoutout to my Diana!  We hopped on the subway and headed to two favorites for dinner:

Shared a lobster roll at Luke's Lobster (see?  this is a serious infatuation here).

Then went next door and drank a cocada from Caracas Arepas - I watched them make it this time, and I still have no idea how they make this so unbelievably creamy and delicious.  The cinnamon is SO good with coconut.

And I can't stop.  I love me some Muchachos - chorizo and grilled white cheese.  WHAT IS THIS WHITE CHEESE?!  WHY AM I TALKING IN CAPS?!  I don't know.  But that cheese grills SO well, and it is my officially my favorite arepa here.  (Never mind the fact that I've only tried two.) 

And that was one staycation day!  Several more to go!

Shopsin's

120 Essex Street New York, NY 10002

(212) 924-5160

Luke's Lobster

93 East 7th Street New York, NY 10009-5730

(212) 387-8487

 

Caracas Arepas

93 1/2 E 7th St. NY, NY 10009

Doughnut Plant

379 Grand Street New York, NY 10002

(212) 505-3700