DISH OF THE WEEK: Chocolate Walnut Cookie at ELLA CROWN BAKEHOUSE

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

One of the things I miss most about exploring the streets of New York City, is just randomly walking by a food shop that just opened. I know the city pretty well so my eyes always do a double take when something new has blossomed.

I imagine that will happen a lot more now that it’s been over seven months since I spent every day in the city.

But I got to experience that joy as I was walking up Atlantic Avenue on my way to give one of the few food tours we’ve run since the pandemic.

And sure enough, Ella Crown Bakehouse caught my eye because they were definitely not there before COVID. Turns out they opened in July, which is a crazy time to open a business in New York, but their entrepreneurship gives me hope.

Ella Crown Bakehouse is a cookie and pastry shop so it might be a safer move than a full dining restaurant. Their cookies are in the style of the famous Levain Bakery. Oversized monsters with an ooey gooey center.

I chose the one that is most like Levain. Their Chocolate Walnut caught my attention and I was eager to share it with my three year old son (who has not yet had many chocolate chip cookies in his life) when I returned home.

It was on par with the old time favorite. Can’t say which is better but doesn’t matter. The sweet browned crusty exterior reveals a very soft and buttery center. Studded with plenty of chocolate chips and nicely toasted walnuts, both my son and I were very happy.

And I’ll be even happier next time I wander the streets of Brooklyn to find a brand new surprise. Price: $4.25