CHEESEBURGER DIARIES - Shake Shack, Madison Square Park, NYC

I had really high hopes for the Shake Shack. I thought this was it, my favorite burger in New York. Unfortunately, it didn't quiet make the cut. 

But lets start at the beginning. 

We went to the Madison Square Park location and its soo cute. A little hut in the park with outdoor seating and string lights. The ambiance was awesome. We got there just before noon and it wasn't very crowded yet. A few minutes later, a line had started to form, so if you go, make sure you don't get there right at lunch time. 

We both ordered the shack burger and I was really surprised by the price. I expected the burgers to be more expensive, but it's very reasonable. They also offer double-patty burgers and many other varieties along with hot dogs, shakes, drinks and treats. 

Now to the burgers. The Shackburger comes with cheese, lettuce, tomato and "shacksauce". Overall the burger tasted fresh and was cooked well. The patties themselves were oversalted and I found the sauce to be too garlicy (is that even a word?). After a while, all I could taste was garlic. So that was definitely not good and I honestly don't think I'll have another Shackburger. Maybe I'll try something else if I ever go again. The fries and drinks (we had 50/50 - Arnold Palmers) were pretty good though! 

DAYTRIPPING - Exploring the Brooklyn Flea Market in Fort Greene

I've heard so much about Brooklyn Flea - the traveling flea market in Brooklyn - and last saturday we finally decided to check it out ourselves. According to the website, there were 150 goods & food vendors. It sounded like a lot, but actually wasn't that much after all. I think after being used to the San Diego Kobeys Swap Meet, which supposedly is the third largest swap meet on the West Coast with thousands of vendors every weekend, I just expected a larger event.
However, if we look at quality over quantity, Brooklyn Flea did really good! The vendors included antique handlers, vintage clothing shops, furniture stores and many great food options!

My favorite was the Vanilla Ice Cream from Blue Marble. (The chocolate flavor was good to, but the Vanilla was just amazing!!).

 Manny had some awesome tuna tacos.

 And I enjoyed a chicken tamale and chicken-cheese pupusa.

  

For my outfit, I chose a comfy look. Afterall, we were walking around all day. 

Shirt from H&M

Skinny jeans from Old Navy

Shoes from ASOS

Bag and Bracelet from H&M

Necklace was a gift

SWEET + SAVORY - 3 desserts and 1 cheeseburger

Yesterday was my birthday, and also the last day before I officially start my new job. So, we obviously had to make something out of it. People who know me know that I'm not a huge party-animal, I don't drink and am not into going out and stuff like that. Instead, I decided to devote the day to 2 of my loves - desserts and cheeseburgers.

Here's the 4 places that made my Ultimate Birthday Foodie Tour.

Stop 1. Little Cupcake Bakeshop in Soho 

We started off with cake - because after all, it was my birthday. I had the flourless chocolate cake and Manny had a blueberry cheesecake. Sooo good! And all their cupcakes and cakes just looks too cute. This place is really one of my faves.


Stop 2. Doughnut Plant in Chelsea

Someone told me to check out Doughnut Plant when we went to visit the city last fall, and I'm glad I did. Their doughnuts are amazing! So obviously, I had to make it a stop on my ultimate Birthday-foodie tour. I had the Valrhona Chocolate Doughnut and Manny had the Pineapple One. Both super good! I love how this place has such a unique menu, they have yeast and cake doughnuts and even square doughnuts. Something for everybody!


Stop 3. Shake Shack in the Flatiron District

It was around lunch time and we decided to get something other than desserts into our tummies so it was time for some cheeseburgers. We've been wanting to check out Shake Shack and so we did. We went to the original location in Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District (literally, right next to the Flatiron Building). The location is so cute. The restaurant itself is more like a little hut and they have little tables and chairs outside in the park with string lights. Totally adorable. The burgers were ok. Unfortunately not as good as I hoped. I will share a whole run down in my next Cheeseburger Diaries entry.

Stop 4. Laduree in the Upper East Side

I've heard sooo much about this place and their amazing Macarons that I just had to finally try them. We each got 4 Macarons (my flavors were Pistachio, Violet, Orange Blossom and Lemon and Manny had 2 Rose Blossoms, Strawberry, Pistachio) and enjoyed them at Central Park. Very yummy and a perfect end to the day.