May 26, 2013

Stick It: Seven Great Foods Served on a Skewer

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Let’s face it: Everything tastes better on a kebab. And this summer is full of new offerings, from a vegan take on the classic Push-Pop to tonkatsu corn dogs. Click through the gallery ahead for the best in this season’s one-handed eating.

*This article originally appeared in the June 3, 2013 issue of New York Magazine.

Fany Gerson, La Newyorkina’s chief paleta purveyor, has teamed with Momofuku Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi on three new Jell-O-style pudding pops: One is cereal-milk-flavored, of course; the others will likely be salted chocolate cajeta (a traditional goat’s-milk caramel) and sour cream–citrus curd. All three are guaranteed to trigger a trip down the wormhole of childhood nostalgia. $4; Momofuku Milk Bar (milkbarstore.com).

Fany Gerson, La Newyorkina’s chief paleta purveyor, has teamed with Momofuku Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi on three new Jell-O-style pudding pops: One is cereal-milk-flavored, of course; the others will likely be salted chocolate cajeta (a traditional goat’s-milk caramel) and sour cream–citrus curd. All three are guaranteed to trigger a trip down the wormhole of childhood nostalgia. $4; Momofuku Milk Bar (milkbarstore.com).

The chocolate-dipped frozen banana is a vintage boardwalk favorite. Starting this summer, Rockaway’s Motorboat and the Big Banana also pops up at Smorgasburg and the Brooklyn Flea, now with three new flavors. Try the Gob, a half-banana swished in Belgian dark chocolate and “double-dipped with everything on it,” as the Arrested Development character for whom it’s named would say. That means cookies, coconut, bacon … whatever’s on hand. $3.50; see boatsandbananas.com for market details.

The chocolate-dipped frozen banana is a vintage boardwalk favorite. Starting this summer, Rockaway’s Motorboat and the Big Banana also pops up at Smorgasburg and the Brooklyn Flea, now with three new flavors. Try the Gob, a half-banana swished in Belgian dark chocolate and “double-dipped with everything on it,” as the Arrested Development character for whom it’s named would say. That means cookies, coconut, bacon … whatever’s on hand. $3.50; see boatsandbananas.com for market details.

All the eighties rage, the Push Pop has grown up—and gone vegan. Alchemy Creamery recently introduced its “magic wand,” a push-up layered with a rotating selection of vegan cake (coconut, ginger, chocolate), nut-based ice cream (piña colada, green tea, chocolate chai), and one complimentary topping. The almond cake, caramel ice cream, and salted-walnut version hits all the right salty-sweet notes. $6; Smorgasburg.

All the eighties rage, the Push Pop has grown up—and gone vegan. Alchemy Creamery recently introduced its “magic wand,” a push-up layered with a rotating selection of vegan cake (coconut, ginger, chocolate), nut-based ice cream (piña colada, green tea, chocolate chai), and one complimentary topping. The almond cake, caramel ice cream, and salted-walnut version hits all the right salty-sweet notes. $6; Smorgasburg.

Landhaus slow-roasts cured and smoked pork belly until the fat renders, then slices it thick, sears it, and spears it. The result is an intensely moist hunk of bacon, drizzled in Vermont maple syrup and dusted with smoked paprika and ground fennel seed. $3; Smorgasburg and daily at the Woods, 48 S. 4th St., at Wythe Ave., Williamsburg; 718-782-4955.

Landhaus slow-roasts cured and smoked pork belly until the fat renders, then slices it thick, sears it, and spears it. The result is an intensely moist hunk of bacon, drizzled in Vermont maple syrup and dusted with smoked paprika and ground fennel seed. $3; Smorgasburg and daily at the Woods, 48 S. 4th St., at Wythe Ave., Williamsburg; 718-782-4955.

Six-month-old Stix Mediterranean Grill is a carb eschewer’s paradise. While they serve all manner of stuck-up meats, their yellowfin tuna is light enough for even the hottest day. The fish is marinated overnight in extra-virgin olive oil and lime zest, grilled over volcanic rock, and then seasoned with cilantro, parsley, and capers. $6.95; 112 E. 23rd St., nr. Park Ave. S.; 212-673-6666.

Six-month-old Stix Mediterranean Grill is a carb eschewer’s paradise. While they serve all manner of stuck-up meats, their yellowfin tuna is light enough for even the hottest day. The fish is marinated overnight in extra-virgin olive oil and lime zest, grilled over volcanic rock, and then seasoned with cilantro, parsley, and capers. $6.95; 112 E. 23rd St., nr. Park Ave. S.; 212-673-6666.

Asiadog’s tonkatsu corn dog revamps the fairground classic by dunking your choice of protein (organic beef, chicken, pork, or veggie) in a jalapeño-spiked buttermilk-cornmeal batter, then rolling it in panko bread crumbs and plunking it in the deep fryer. The grand finale: a squirt of katsu-spiked mayo. $6; 66 Kenmare St., nr. Mott St.; 212-226-8861.

Asiadog’s tonkatsu corn dog revamps the fairground classic by dunking your choice of protein (organic beef, chicken, pork, or veggie) in a jalapeño-spiked buttermilk-cornmeal batter, then rolling it in panko bread crumbs and plunking it in the deep fryer. The grand finale: a squirt of katsu-spiked mayo. $6; 66 Kenmare St., nr. Mott St.; 212-226-8861.

Pie Corps, North Brooklyn’s Arcadia for all things crusty, bakes medallion-size pie pops with apple or chocolate filling, as well as seasonal varieties like strawberry and lime curd. The three-bite treats are popular as party favors, or for a sunset stroll in nearby McGolrick Park. $3; 77 Driggs Ave., nr. Monitor St., Greenpoint; 917-721-3052.

Pie Corps, North Brooklyn’s Arcadia for all things crusty, bakes medallion-size pie pops with apple or chocolate filling, as well as seasonal varieties like strawberry and lime curd. The three-bite treats are popular as party favors, or for a sunset stroll in nearby McGolrick Park. $3; 77 Driggs Ave., nr. Monitor St., Greenpoint; 917-721-3052.

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