What I Got: Pumpkin Challah, Sticky Bun Babka Muffin, Orwasheire, Caramelized Onion and Poppy Seed Bialy

Price: $$

Location: NYC

Review:

Pumpkin Challah – This challah is as good as it sounds!  It is fluffy, flaky, and subtly sweet, like your typical challah, but is elevated with spiced pumpkin flavor.  The spices it includes are ginger, cinnamon, mace, and cardamom.  The challah is absolutely delicious because the flavor of the pumpkin and spices comes through just enough without being overpowering.  It whispers pumpkin on your tongue instead of screaming it.  It is a beautiful taste of fall that brightens my mornings. Orwasher’s recommends making it into French toast, and although I haven’t done so yet, I can’t wait to make some.  It will surely be delicious. Make sure to get a loaf before fall is over!  Protip: it is amazing with a cup of pumpkin spice coffee.

Sticky Bun Babka Muffin – The Sticky Bun Babka Muffin has layers of dough like babka and is covered with sticky toffee glaze and pecans.  The dough is buttery and flaky like a sticky bun but even better.  The layers create a luxurious texture.  The top is a beautiful golden brown, while the inside is moist.  The muffin is a great single serving size and easy to transport or eat on the spot.  The babka also comes in a loaf if a muffin isn’t enough.  I wished I had an entire loaf after finishing it.  

Orwashiere – The orwashiere is an olive oil brioche with candied orange and anise.  The sweet brioche is fluffy with a nice amount of chewiness. The dough was just sweet enough, and the coarse sugar sprinkled on top adds a great crunch to the smooth dough.  Bits of candid orange are scattered throughout to create a sweet, citrusy flavor that is not overpowering. The hint of anise perfectly complemented the orange. This was a delicious treat that gave a similar experience to a donut while having the wonderful texture and flavor of brioche.

Caramelized Onion and Poppy Seed Bialy – As in the name, this is a bialy with caramelized onion in the center and poppy seeds on top.  When cutting it, I felt like I was cutting through a cloud.  It is incredibly airy and tender inside.  When toasted, the crispy outside and soft inside creates a wonderful bite.  The pile of jammy caramelized onions in the center adds a delicious sweetness that compliments the salty butter I spread on top.  The poppy seeds add a nutty hint.  Although seemingly simple, this bialy is especially delicious because of the amazingly airy dough.