New York food: Cheesecake

Yes, there really is an Eileen who originated Eileen's special cheesecakes, almost fifty years ago--and yes, her cheesecake is pretty special. Her cheesenoli, a cannoli-inspired cheesecake, has won awards. 

Where could this place be? You have to play your cards right to find it--every year they develop another flavor. But at least 25 flavors are on the menu at any time, available as whole cheesecakes, slices or mini cheesecakes as you can see here. The shop is easy to find!

Eileen's Special Cheesecake does not care if you are impressed.

The interior is small and eclectically decorated. There is a counter large enough for a few people to eat.

Eileen's special cheesenoli and brulée salted caramel cheesecakes

We ordered two mini cheesecakes: the award-winning cheesenoli and the bruleed salted caramel. The texture was perfectly light and smooth, and the flavors were innovative. The cheesenoli really captured the spirit of both desserts and the salted caramel had a great balance of salt and sweet with the crackle of the burned sugar layer on top. Definitely recommended!

Junior's

I had long sought the elusive Egg Creme, finding great success in Texas once upon a time and even making them at home. Google eventually indicated that the nearest egg creme to be had was not too far away at a restaurant my friend Sally loves: Junior's. So we headed down for an egg creme and a slice of New York cheesecake, of the cherry variety. It was taller and thicker than Eileen's version, but both were pretty amazing. The egg creme was good, if not everything we hoped and dreamed. But now we can say we did it!

Junior's cherry cheesecake and egg creme

Source of the orange lighting

We were lucky to get seats at the bar, because as soon as we did, a long line formed at the hostess stand.

We also sampled a lot of New York pastries, doughnuts in New York, other desserts around New York, New York ice cream, and savory foods in New York!