AMERICAN EXPRESS TASTEMAKERS DISH ON THE BEST SWEETS IN THE BIG APPLE
American Express Participates in SWEET, Presented By Ferrero RocherŪ, New York's Biggest Dessert Party
NEW YORK, November 14, 2007 -- Looking for diners that share your sweet tooth? Today, American Express issued the second Tastemaker Index and in it, Tastemakers dished about their favorite restaurants for dessert in New York City. The Tastemaker Index is a monthly alert which provides an insider's look at the hottest restaurants recently talked about and dined at on American Express Dish. Dish is a community web site dedicated to connecting people who love to dine out. This Friday, November 16, American Express will also sponsor and participate in SWEET, presented by Ferrero Rocher, created by Food Network and Southern Wine & Spirits of New York, with proceeds going to Share Our Strength and the Food Bank For New York City.
The Tastemaker Index reveals the Top Restaurants for Dessert in New York City:
NEW YORK CITY: Top 5 Restaurants for Dessert
| RANK* | RESTAURANT |
| 1. | Alma |
| 2. | Bice Ristorante |
| 3. | Bouchon Bakery |
| 4. | Chikalicious |
| 5. | Chocolate Bar |
Source: American Express Dish Tastemakers
* These rankings are based on the percent of Tastemakers who would go back to a restaurant, reflecting the dining trends of an exclusive group of food-loving Cardmembers.
Tastemaker Picks
1. Alma
187 Columbia St., Brooklyn, NY 11231; 718-643-5400
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Tastemakers love this Brooklyn native for its authentic Mexican fare and breathtaking Manhattan view. Follow a meal of spicy ceviche and tamales with the Caramel Flan, Alma's traditional homemade dessert.
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"Go for the rooftop! Great food, great fun."
2. Bice Ristorante
7 E. 54th St., New York, NY 10022; 212-688-1999
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Tastemakers rave about the solid Italian fare which changes daily at this stylish Midtown restaurant. An offshoot of the original Bice in Milan, Tastemakers recommend trying the risotto and mussels, not to mention the variety of indulgent desserts.
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"Don't skip the dessert! I tried three of their desserts and all were fabulous!"
3. Bouchon Bakery
10 Columbus Cir., Third Floor, New York, NY 10019; 212-823-9366
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Tastemakers praise the creative fare and views of Columbus Circle and Central Park South from this convenient Midtown location. Tastemakers suggest dropping by for the "ultimate snack" and fresh baked goods.
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"Everything is delicious. Baked goods and desserts are top notch."
4. Chikalicious
203 E. Tenth St., New York, NY 10003; 212-995-9511
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Tastemakers visit this sleek East Village spot for none other than the artful, delicious desserts. A prix fixe dessert meal includes an amuse, choice of "main course" dessert (like Chika's signature fromage blanc) and petit fours.
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"Such a great spot for a mid-afternoon shopping break with girlfriends. Each dessert is tiny and scrumptious and you'll savor each bite."
5. Chocolate Bar
48 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10014; 212-366-1541
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Tastemakers frequent this West Village hang-out for the finest chocolate in town, including creations from Jacques Torres. The upscale confections and espresso truly make this a candy shop for grown-ups.
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"Good chocolate! Love their custom bars."
More on SWEET
At the SWEET event in New York City this week, guests will sample the mouthwatering creations of New York's premiere pastry chefs, chocolatiers and bakers. In addition to special guest appearances from Food Network stars, including Rachael Ray and Giada De Laurentiis, "Sopranos" star and owner of Bracco Wines, Lorraine Bracco, will also be attending. Complementing the confections, guests can enjoy lovely wines and Champagnes, a full premium bar and fine cordials from Southern Wine & Spirits of NY. American Express will host an "Amex Lounge" inside the La Columbe coffee bar, with coffee and ample seating for those who want to take a break after the sugar rush. Following the SWEET event, American Express will host a VIP after-party featuring food from Shake Shack and open to participating and invited chefs, Food Network stars and sponsors. Tickets to SWEET are $200 and are available for sale exclusively to American Express Cardmembers at nycwineandfoodfestival.com.
SWEET Details:
When:
Friday, November 16, 2007
9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.Where:
The Waterfront
269 11th Avenue, between 27th & 28th Streets
"It is clear that in New York City, dessert is becoming a meal in and of itself. We're pleased to offer our Cardmembers exclusive access to the SWEET event this week where they can taste New York's finest desserts and mingle with Food Network stars," said Penni Berns, vice president, Network and Merchant Marketing. "For Cardmembers' everyday sweet cravings, our New York Dish Tastemakers have taken the guesswork out of finding the best dessert spots in town with the latest Tastemaker Index."
More on Dish
What Dish provides that is unlike any other dining resource is the web's most robust combination of dining offers, information and insights, including peer restaurant ratings, expert picks and instant reservations among other features. Available in New York and San Francisco, Dish is an ongoing platform, allowing diners to tap into the insights of a diverse group of passionate Cardmembers and celebrity foodies, better known as the Dish Tastemaker community.
To become a Tastemaker and start dishing, go to www.amexnetwork.com/thedish.
Tastemaker participation is open to all U.S. consumers with American
Express-branded cards.
About American Express
Merchant Services is the merchant network of American Express, which acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants around the globe, which welcome American Express-branded Cards. American Express Company is a leading global payments, network, travel and banking company founded in 1850.
