New York (July 20-27 2017)

This is the first time I traveled to NY for healthcare work. You may know (or about to find out) that I still work 9-5 at the hospital as a nurse in quality improvement. I think many people take a look at all my photos and articles and think I travel full time. That’s not really the case. I do, however have a flexible work schedule which enables me to afford multiple other luxuries (huge bonus) in my lifestyle and for this I am grateful.

In July, I attended a 3 1/2 day Quality and Safety conference with the American College of Surgeons. I also presented a poster with my coworker on the second last day which is my favourite part of the annual international event. Its a chance where you can mingle with others and see what people are working on.

On the last day, a few of us checked out a taping of Stephen Colbert. He had actor Paul Bettany on, as well as Tyler, the Creator. The whole stage is tiny, the studio was freezing and the house band, Jon Batiste with Stay Human is so great!

After the conference was over I managed to stay a few extra days and get some visits in: Meeting with the good folks at AWAY, amika and CINER, attending the Crown of Light press preview, nails done at Paint Box. And yes, I ate – a lot: Best Pizza, Burger & Lobster, While we were young, The Standard Grill just to name a few. I almost forgot – the rooftops: Loopy Doopy at the Conrad, Arlo Nomad and The Crown at 50 Bowery.

I forgot how much I love NYC in the summer! See you again soon!

ELENA:)

 

Fatty Cakes NY Review

Let it be known that I can’t be trusted with reviews about food. Especially anything that contains sugar, as my sweet tooth makes things biased. So I look to people with incredible palates and have constructive foodie thoughts to aid in such reviews.

Meet Gillian: New mom, wife of Meat & Bread mogul, boxer, baker, nurse, friend and food blogger. I can’t think of anyone who is more qualified to give me a honest opinion on cookies. And these aren’t just any cookies!

FattyCakesNY offers a multitude of scrumptious cookies all available in full cookie cakes which is a huge win-win. Keep her in mind for your next event as owner, Jennifer Taylor Miller can also can assemble mouth watering dessert tables and customize your very own FattyCake.

Shipping is usually only available to the US, so I jumped at the chance to have this unique taste test opportunity north of the 49th parallel. And once the cookies arrived from their home in Brooklyn, NY to Vancouver (Thanks Jennifer and Heather!) I split them up and we handed out the awards….

Note: I must say that’s its kind of odd that last summer I was introduced to Fatty Sundays, also from Brooklyn. Coincidence? Perhaps.

Drumroll please! The FattyCakeNY Awards…..

The Betty Jo (Red Velvet cookies with white chocolate chips & cream cheese fudge filling). 

Gillian: Winner of the best all-around cookie. Great cookie filling ratio.Nice cookie.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to claim that you baked on your own. Can you really go wrong with Red Velvet anything?

Build me up, buttercup (Peanut butter chocolate brownie cookie with peanut butter cups).

Gillian: Winner of the best in show cookie. Delicious. Guilty Pleasure cookie. Love the crumbly texture and good with a cup of tea.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to get rid of the Monday blahs. So wonderful. I wish I had another!

The Original Fattycake (Chocolate chips, oats, oreos, pretzels, & potato chips with peanut butter).

Gillian: Winner of the best cookie to eat when you are stoned. The pretzels and chips become stale and chewy (not in a good way).

Elena: Winner of the best cookie to eat on a long 8 hour flight. It’s like the everything bagel (but better). And there is a certain time on a long flight where you crave everything at once. This cookie will help.

The Chipwich (Salted chocolate chip cookies with beer caramel and vanilla cream filling).

Gillian: Winner of best cookie to cure a hangover. Too much salt and vanilla in the filling.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to eat after Bikrams yoga. Yup, the salt will help with your pH Balance.

Dark-n-Stormy (Ginger molasses cookies with Sailor Jerry rum cream filling and a hint of lime).

Gillian: Winner of best present for a drunk uncle. Too much cinnamon and too sweet.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to give someone who actually likes molasses. Molasses reminds me of the part in To Kill a Mockingbird when the kids invite a friend over and he pours syrup all over his dinner. Unnecessary.

The Drunken Piglet (Maple cookie with bourbon bacon brittle, Brooklyn Blast! beer caramel, finished with maple, brown sugar & sea salt).

Gillian: Winner of the cookie you will immediately regret eating. Maple is overpowering.

Elena: Winner of the cookie to eat if you miss Sunday Brunch. A little less maple and a little more bacon.

Thanks again for allowing us to review:)

Be sure to check out FattyCakesNY and share your thoughts on social. Follow FattyCakesNY on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @Fattycakesny

ELENA:)