A Hunger for Pad Thai

Mad Square Eats comes around twice a year with all kinds of foods, some tried and tested, or new ones that pull at your purse strings to enjoy on your own or with friends. Bangkok B.A.R. serves a pad Thai that is nothing short of perfection. One may ask how can a simple bowl of stir fried rice noodles mixed with a melange of sauces, sliced chicken, and vegetables taste so scrumptious? Each bite is luscious with the right amount of red pepper sprinkled on top. The chef is entirely to blame and if I could, I would hire him to make it for me once a week. With a sticker shock price of $12, it is expensive but worth every heavenly bite. Share? Not likely. Get your own!

Orgasmic Popsicles

ABC Cocina is a haven of edible delights with a cuisine so luscious that memories are etched from the first visit. When dessert comes around, make a beeline for the popsicles. Current flavors consist of strawberry shortcake, kiwi-citrus, and chocolate coconut. Wrapped delicately with gold ties, each flavored ice looks like a gift from a lover that yearns to be unwrapped gently before taking that first bite. The flavors will entrance and moans will emit from your throat, eyes will flutter, and then when you have recovered from this sensation, you will take the next bite.

Nibbling on a Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Lazying on a Sunday afternoon nibbling on a Canadian bar of bespoke chocolate aptly named "Oh Mama!" from the Hummingbird Chocolate Maker. 70% dark with creamy buttery notes....what more does one need?

Celebrate at Beaubourg

The taxes have been done. Those of you who got a tidy refund, it may be time to celebrate. Where? Head on down to Brookfield Place's Le District, the "Paris" of New York City where Beauboug is located. Classically French, this menu will tempt you with escargots, Tornedos Rossini, and frog's legs. Remember that this is a celebration and not a gala all-out break-the-bank fiesta. The succulent steak frites hits all the right notes with a rich meaty flavor and just the right touch of caramelized fat around the edges that will make your mouth swoon. A mound of crisp yet tender French fries and a blade or two of salad greens rounds out this stunning dish. A glass of rose champagne or rich Burgundy elevates the meal to a higher plane. Shall we make a reservation?

Morceau de Chocolat

Many times a week all I want is a piece of pure dark chocolate. What do I choose? Royce Chocolate from Japan. Boxes containing individually wrapped pieces of dark or extra bitter chocolate melt in my mouth and bring happiness to my whole being. With locations on Madison Avenue and on Bleeker Street, a box containing Venezuelan or Ghanaian chocolate is reasonable and even if you eat just one piece a day, it will last you forty days! Now isn't this delightful?

Raspberry Caramels

Did caramels feature at your holiday feast this weekend? No? You need to fix this right away. Head over to 2Beans, a European style chocolatier and coffee establishment that stocks a large variety of candy and chocolate that are hard to resist. And why should you? The raspberry caramels from Lackerli Huus are irresistible. Pricey and not always in stock, pick up at least two packets at a time. You'll thank yourself when you take your first bite - satiny with a rich framboise flavor. Now don't finish it all in one sitting. Keep it in an airtight container so that next time the craving strikes, all you have to do it open the bottle.

Pass me a another piece!

Mast Brothers make an assortment of chocolate bars. Several of them are too tannic which may not suit everyone's taste. There is one exception - the vanilla & smoke bar. Here is a chocolate that is smooth with subtle vanilla notes and a pleasant smoky after-taste that lingers on the tongue long after the last swallow. Stretch out your hand to take one more piece and then quietly another......