Muffin, Cookie, Cookie

Raspberry Bran Muffin

I was waiting for the F train at the Bryant Park station late tonight. I waited and waited. But the F train never came. And I didn't know what to do but twaddle my thumbs and people watch while pretending to look at the subway map. And then my mind wandered, as it is apt to do when not occupied with thoughts of food, family or friends. Or work. That too.

Naturally it wandered towards dessert. Towards cakes, pies, biscotti, pudding, and muffins. Ahhh. Muffins. Right at that moment, I felt like a muffin would be very fitting for no reason at all.

And that, of course, is sometimes the best reason.

So I slung on my bag, straightened my back and strolled to the other end of the station to catch the 7 towards Times Square. And then transferred to the 1 downtown. The 7 came without a minutes wait. And the 1 was about to leave as I dashed in. Sometimes I have the greatest subway karma.

Minutes later I was at my favourite weekday night spot, Build a Green Bakery in the West Village. I come here alone after work because I can always count on a copy of the New York Times resting on the bench, waiting to be read, and an abundance of baked goods, with at least a half dozen which catch my fancy.

I ate my raspberry bran muffin from the outside in. Breaking off the crusty, attractively nutty edges in a circular motion till I reached the raspberry studded innards. It made me happy to know that the berries were used with a generous hand, splotches of deep pink nestled within tender crumbs.

Coconut Cookie & Chocolate Chip Cookie

Muffin devoured, I dusted crumbs off my skirt upon standing to leave. I have yet to meet the day where I can polish off a baked good crumb free. Oh well. Crumbs give you character. Or at least something to laugh about.

I said bye to the boy behind the counter, tall and skinny with tan pants and black rimmed glasses. As I pushed the door open, I heard his voice one more, "hey...would you like some cookies?" I turned, confused for a moment, but confusion gave way to a smile as he contemplated among flavours and placed one each of a coconut and chocolate chip cookie in a brown paper bag.

He handed them over to me, accidentally crinkling the bag in motion, "goodnight."

Build a Green Bakery
175 7th Ave
NY, NY 10014
(646) 722-6570