As much as I enjoy sleeping in on Saturday mornings, given the amount of gorgeous produce in season at the green market right now, I make sure I wake up in time to get in on the action at Union Square. For the last month, blueberries have been a top priority, not only on my grocery list, but on many pastry chefs’ menus as well. As the summer starts to wind down, I’m savoring every last bit of sun, warm weather, and blueberries. Here are some of my favorite blueberry desserts and drinks around town. Check them out while the fruit is in season. Or make them at home with the recipes.
A. Pearl Oyster Bar
The thought of summer always conjures up the image of blueberry pie for me. And when I think of blueberry pie, I think of Pearl. Served only in season, I wait three quarters of the year until I can get my pie. So once it’s summer, I would not think of leaving the restaurant without that essential ending to a perfect meal.... full article
B. James
Just when I think I’ve had enough of beignets, James knocks my socks off with this much-appreciated variation of ricotta beignets breaded with coconut shreds and deep-fried. The ricotta mixture is lighter than regular dough. Drizzled with a refreshing red wine berry sauce, and accompanied by the delightful blueberries, the... full article
C. Le Cirque Wine Lounge
Simple and elegant, the blueberry soup with yogurt and lime cream at Le Cirque Wine Bar is so clean it effortlessly cuts the summer heat. The soup is a rich reduction of blueberry, water and sugar, strained then chilled. I love the blueberry tannins that add an unexpected dimension to this otherwise pristine purée. The piquant... full article
D. Annisa
Annisa’s chilled blueberry soup is not as straightforward as it sounds. It stands at the opposite end of the spectrum from the chilled blueberry soup at Le Cirque. I was expecting it to be a very cool dish, being a chilled soup, but this dessert has got heat! Even well after leaving the restaurant, I felt the spice on my... full article
E. Gramercy Tavern
When I learned of the blueberry and corn sundae at Gramercy Tavern, I thought I had found a soul mate in pastry chef Nancy Olsen. Corn is another one of my favorites of the season’s produce, and though I’ve never thought of it paired with blueberry, it just seems so natural and right. This sundae is more... full article
F. BLT Steak
Though I’m not usually a fan of absinthe, this cocktail demonstrates that when paired with the right ingredients, absinthe makes a good drink. Ol’ Lucy Blue Eyes is a visually attractive drink. The anise flavor of Lucid Absinthe is balanced by the fruity juices of muddled blueberries, Stoli Blueberry, lemon juice and simple syrup. And... full article
G. Ronnybrook
Ronnybrook’s blueberry pomegranate flavor is the latest addition to their list of yogurt drinks. But in fact, this is not a new flavor. It was developed for the British sandwich chain, Pret A Manger. It’s one of their most popular flavors, so now that Ronnybrook is selling it under its own label, it’ll be... full article
