Image via Complex Original
Patrick Judabong - photographer, DJ, and founder of the Fat Bastard Crew, known to the world as Buddhabong. He has traveled the world in search of stunning images, great beats, and the best eats. Currently, you can catch him getting fat in and around New York City.
Bananas aren’t just for monkeys. Humans in America consume 28 pounds of bananas each year, and I am one of them. According to the FDA, bananas can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as decrease your risk of getting cancer. Many people appreciate bananas for their protein, potassium, and iron. But not me!
I love bananas for the magic that happens when they're combined with other dessert ingredients. If you're a dessert lover like me, finding the best banana infused desserts in New York is not only a recreational quest, it's a necessity. From shakes to cakes to breads, I've scoured the concrete streets of New York to provide you with my current top 5.
Fat Bastard Crew Approved!
*Side note: banana cream pie is not included on this list because it's so damn good that it deserves its own recognition (which is coming soon).
Banana Cupcake
Where: ChickaLious Dessert Bar (203 East 10th St.)
Website: chikalicious.com
Entering ChickaLicious Dessert Bar, I found a line of anxious customers. The small establishment was crowded and smelled of sweet breads and sugar, making me salivate. As the line shortened, I saw it in the display case on top of the counter. There was only one left and it was calling to me. With two people ahead of me, I grew apprehensive. However, my grin turned into a fat bastard smile as I was handed the last banana cupcake. WIN!
When the cupcake hit my lips, I chewed twice and then couldn't help but stop for two seconds to savor the moment. The cream cheese frosting paired perfectly with the light and fluffy banana cake. Hands down, this is the best banana cupcake in New York. Get there early before they run out, or you'll walk away with only regret.
Banana Cheesecake
Where: Eileen’s Cheesecake (17 Cleveland Place)
Website: eileenscheesecake.com
My problem with cheesecake is that I find it plain, and strawberry cheesecake doesn't do much to change that. Elieen’s has the perfect solution. Having 35 years in the business, Elieen’s brags about having the “best cheesecake in New York.”
The fluffy banana cheesecake is presented as a round individual piece with two banana slices on top, covered with dribbles of chocolate. A scrumptious oreo crust gives the cheesecake great texture. With a constant stream of satisfied visitors, Elieen’s proves to be on top of her game and has made a believer out of me. Call her the problem solver.
Banana Pudding
Where: Magnoila Bakery (401 Bleecker St.)
Website: magnoliabakery.com
When the name Magnolia Bakery comes up, conversations veers towards the cupcakes. Wrong way, JACK! Redirect yourself to the banana pudding. I admit the place has gotten popular over the years, with more than two locations in the city and expansion to the West Coast, but it's still the go-to for banana pudding.
Chilled to perfection, the banana pudding has generous chunks of bananas and nilla wafers. The texture is rich and creamy, making it hard to take just one bite. This is the true essence of comfort food. Trust me, skip the overly sweet, overly-hyped cupcakes and stick to the mighty banana pudding.
Chocolate Monkey
Where: The General Store/The Lodge (318 Grand St., Brooklyn)
Website: lodgenyc.com
BK's Williamsburg is known for hipsters and expensive apartments. After this article hits the web, “hipsterburg” will become known for one more thing: The Chocolate Monkey.
On the southeast corner of Grand and Havemeyer lies the Lodge (the General Store is its next-door counterpart). You'll see tattooed hipsters perched on track bikes, eating sandwiches and smoking out front, all at the same time.
If you can get past that, the goodness that is the Chcolate Monkey awaits you inside. The smoothie contains small bits of banana, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and soymilk. This tantalizing blend is thick and soothing to the taste buds on a hot summer day. The distinct taste of peanut butter and banana reminded me of the days when I used to create makeshift desserts from scratch. It’s the bizness, SON!
Banana White Chocolate Bread
Where: Spiga (200 W 84th St.)
Website: spiganyc.com
After walking into Spiga for the first time, I must admit, I thought I was in the wrong place. Yes, I was on the Upper West Side at a semi-fancy place, but thanks to the friendly hostess and server I felt at ease. My banana search had lead to me to Spiga for the banana crème brule, but was I disappointed to find they had changed the menu. All was not lost, though, as the new dish replacing the crème brule was the banana white chocolate bread.
The dish is served with two thin slices of caramelized banana that lie under a soft, rounded piece of banana bread, accompanied by caramel ice cream on the side. The plate is garnished with powdered sugar and warm bourbon sauce. After devouring everything, you'll sit knowing you've experienced a fine dessert. The lesson here is not to judge a book by its cover or else you’ll miss something delicious.