DISH OF THE WEEK in New York: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie at YANNI’S COFFE

The Place: If it weren’t for the blackboard on the sidewalk or the intoxicating smells seeping out the door, you’d think Yanni’s Coffee was just a neighborhood third wave coffee shop. And you’d be right. I especially love how this is the one and only location. Yanni’s does not look to be trying to conquer the city (or country), but just to make great coffee in a comfortable, modern environment. But on top of that, Yanni’s makes one of the city’s best under-the-radar cookies.

The Menu: You can guess the menu here – coffee drinks (made with local roaster Sey), pastries, and yes, (the main event for many) cookies! They usually have two types – white chocolate oatmeal and chocolate chip walnut.

The Dish: My grandmother never baked so I am not one of those who taste something that reminds me of grandma’s kitchen. Yet my great-grandmother used to make chocolate chip cookies when I was a very little child. I totally forgot about them until I tasted the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie here and was immediately transported. I can’t figure out what ties them together except they are both unbelievably delicious. Browned butter, nutty caramelized walnuts, and gooey chocolate chips. These are by far some of the best in the city and I want to bring my entire family to Yanni’s to transport them to those days decades ago when we were convinced my grandfather’s mother made the best cookies in the world (and she did!)