DISH OF THE WEEK in New York: Black and White Cookie at EMPIRE CAKE

I’m very excited to start another search for another iconic New York dish. This one has always been in the back of my mind, but now that I have a seven-year old who loves when I bring him home cookies, it’s a no brainer.

I’ll officially announce my search for the best black and white cookie in New York very soon. But I think I may have already found the answer to that questions and I’ve not even officially begun asking yet.

One of the first black and white cookies I was able to obtain was from a cake shop in Chelsea that I walk by all the time and had never stepped foot inside.

It makes sense that Empire Cake, which as the name suggests, makes custom cakes and sells things like cupcakes and Twinkies. Yet it also makes sense that they do a black and white, since this cookie has always been closer to a flattened cake than a traditional cookie.

Wow! This was the most innovative and delicious black and white cookie I’ve ever tasted. The spongy soft center was much closer to a cupcake – much airer than any base I’ve had for this traditional treat. The frosting completely enveloped the cookie covering both sides, which is also a first.

Another exciting liberty they take is using a white chocolate frosting for the lighter side (instead of vanilla). The chocolate fondant was rich and fudgy. Both icings heat up and melt on your fingers (better for licking) as if they are made from real ingredients at a small bakery rather than at some mass produced cookie plant. Imagine that!

The only question here is if this is a true black and white cookie or just an excellent homage to it. For those coming to New York looking for the traditional experience, this is not it. But I can say with all confidence that Empire Cake has figured out a way to make that tradition even better. Price: $4.25

Does Empire Cake have the best black and white cookie in NY? The official journey has only begun but this is already the best black and white cookie I’ve ever had in my life with a modern interpretation that still gives a nod to tradition. Right out of the gate, we have a 9.5 out of 10.