DISH OF THE WEEK: Cream Puff at HUASCAR & COMPANY BAKESHOP

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

I always tell people you’ll miss so much if you don’t just wander around and see what looks interesting. That’s certainly true in traveling and exploring a new city.

Nowadays, it’s a little too easy to get wrapped up in all the blogs and social media to ensure you are not missing the best little bakery or bar. It was a nice reminder to me to keep my head up and my nose out when I discovered Huascar & Company.

I was just walking down Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen when I looked down one street and saw a sign for a little bakery that I have never heard about. I don’t get to this part of town often, but the name Huascar has never come up in all my food researching. Believe me: I would have remembered that name.

But I curiously wandered into the little shop, ogled over their cupcakes (they won a Food Network TV competition) and cookies. And then I noticed a selection of cream puffs. Those are not a baked good you see every day.

I happily walked out with a sparkly Creme Brûlée cream puff complete with a caramelized sugar crust.

Biting into it was a similar sensation to cracking that creme brûlée top and revealing a cold creamy anglaise in the center.

It was a great little puff with flaky buttery pastry and a vanilla flecked cream inside. I actually found it restrained on the sweetness and not nearly as over-the-top as it hinted at. It was really delicious.

Goes to show that no matter what the trendy food blogs (this one included, I guess) and critics say, sometimes the best way to find a hidden gem is to keep your head up and your stomach ready to go.