Sweets Galore at Dylan's Candy Bar

Co-owned by Dylan (daughter of Ralph) Lauren, this two-level sweet shop is a treat for young and old. The ground floor is meant to resemble a world made out of candy. You’ll see a lollipop tree, a huge chocolate bunny column and a candy encrusted staircase leading to more treasures below. While upstairs you’ll find the signature chocolates and candies of Dylan’s and their ice cream bar.

Downstairs you’ll find the candies you may have thought were long gone from Necco wafers, strips of candy buttons, Bit-O-Honey and Idaho Spuds. You’ll also find current favorites like Jelly Belly jellybeans and candy inspired from the Harry Potter films. Yes, I am a fan of the Harry Potter books and picked up some chocolate frogs, jelly slugs and blood pops during my last visit.
Dylan's can be a fun place to visit. But during times it can get busy among narrow aisles. With the noise and laughter of the crowd, you may find more peace outside on 3rd Ave. But since we were running early, we took a quick tour inside before heading to Serendipity.

Check out www.dylanscandybar.com for more information and other locations. The shop is located across the street from Bloomingdale’s at 1011 Third Ave & 60th Street. Open Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm and Sun 11am-8pm.

Serendipity: Destiny With Frozen Hot Chocolate

Serendipity 3, located in the Upper East Side, is a popular place for both residents and visitors. This delightful restaurant and sweet shop, begun in 1952, is tucked into a cozy brownstone a few steps away from Bloomingdale’s. The shop fills two floors and is uniquely decorated with Tiffany lamps, black-and-white floors, Victorian posters and other peculiar adornments. The intimate size of the restaurant means there may be a wait during meal times.

Luckily my fellow blogger and Hawaii transplant, Pencilpantz, had made reservations. We were immediately seated despite the line of people inside the shop. Pencilpantz has been in NYC gaining worldly experience during the past year all the while focusing on her next goal of going to graduate school at Berkeley on the West Coast next year.

For my entrée I opted for the Shepherd’s Pie ($16.50). The minced meat and vegetable dish smothered in mashed potatoes was not spectacular but definitely good to finish and left enough room for the main event: dessert. The names of some menu items are cutesy and adds to the fun of just reading the menu. Try the Steak Char Char, Chicken Not So Little Soup or the Bi-Sensual Burger.
To top off the meal was the shop’s signature Frozen Hot Chocolate ($8.50, pictured). It is a massive slushy version of the warm drink generously topped with whipped cream. Note to Pencilpantz, next time I'm gonna order two. The concoction is irresistible for those with a sweet tooth. Other dessert items such as the celestial carrot cake, dark double devil mousse and lemon icebox pie sounded equally delectable. Check out amazon.com for a home version of the Frozen Hot Chocolate and other Serendipity 3 products

The restaurant is perhaps more known to non-New Yorkers as a setting for the movie “Serendipity” (2002). Therefore I was thoroughly disappointed that Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack were nowhere to be found. I’m guessing that maybe they were dining upstairs. Nevertheless it is an engaging romantic film worth discussing in a future post for its use of NYC locations.

The restaurant is a fun place to eat for the family. Prices are reasonable but plan ahead by making reservations and be sure to save room for dessert. Before or afterwards, head over to Dylan’s Candy Bar (Lexington and 60th) to choose from their huge inventory for more sweets that you can take home. For us, Pencilpantz and I wished each other good night as I would begin my first night of marathon play going.

Serendipity 3 is opened Sun-Thu 11:30am-12midnight; Fri 11:30am-2am. The restaurant is located at 225 East 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave in the Upper East Site. Reservations accepted. Main courses run about $7-$18; and the sweet stuff $5-$17. More info including a complete menu at www.serendipity3.com or calling 212-838-3531.

One Stop Away: Universal Studios Citywalk

This post is an extension of prior posts about activities when visiting Hollywood. With the Los Angeles Metro Subway system, Universal Studios Hollywood & CityWalk is only one stop west from the Hollywood/Highland station.

But here's the rub. The subway does not exactly stop at the entrance to Universal Studios. Upon arriving at the Universal City metro station, visitors have to cross the street to the base of Universal Hollywood Drive then wait for one of the trams for an uphill rice to CityWalk. Then of course upon leaving there is the wait for the tram which can be lengthy when there is a large exodus from the park.

Once in the park, all the trappings of this popular amusement park is yours. On a visit last year I bypassed the park and instead explored the entertainment complex called Universal Studios CityWalk. It's essence is pure diversion, a contained world of cinemas, dining, concert venue, night spots and stores filled with goods targeted towards impulsive shoppers.

Serving as an entrance plaza to the amusement park, the 23-acre CityWalk opened in 1993 and expanded in 2000. Those wanting to attend a concert by today's popular artists may want to check out the calendar for the over 6,000 seater Gibson Amphitheatre.

Visit citywalkhollywood.com for more info. Click here for a map. Universal Studios also includes a CityWalk at its Orlando location.

By the way those wanting to find Mercado Chocolate Loco which was featured in the Food Network's series "Unwrapped" may be disappointed to find the shop closed. It was known for retailing in Mexican confections, chocolate covered jalapenos and habanero brownies.

It's Sugar, one of the largest candy stores ever, featured on the Food Network's "Kid in a Candy Store" series is still open. Though it may appear the shop carries every candy available, the selection did not include nostalgic candies that can be found at other large candy stores such as Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City.

Bottom line is the shops and restaurants support the experience at the entertainment venues and amusement park. Without either, CityWalk becomes a minor diversion.