Let them eat (NY Cheese)cake!

As the mover and shaker I am, no matter where I live I have a tendency to seek out food and cultural experiences that I believe to be the best of the best with a unique twist. Living in Manhattan a few years ago (and still living a hop-skip-jump away in Hoboken) there is never a shortage of adventures to be had, neighborhoods to explore, or food to try.

Recently, a friend visiting Manhattan for the first time and asked, “Where can I find a decent slice of New York Cheesecake?” I started scanning the Rolodex in my head when it hit me. She had to try the cheesecake at D’Aiuto Pastry. There is no second choice, this is the place. When I lived merely blocks away from D'Aiuto it was almost too easy to pop in on a whim for an Italian specialty cookie, cannoli, or cheesecake slice and it's time to share my experience with the world.

On my quest to share my favorite things with friendly Hobokenbros, Hobokenistas, and casual site visitors, it was only natural that I refresh my own memory and make a pilgrimage back to D'Aiuto. A labor of love at it's core, I sampled not one, not two, but three flavors of D'Aiuto cheesecake. It was a tough (delicious) job, and I was clearly the best candidate!

D'Aiuto isn't located on the hippest block. It's on 8th Ave between 30th and 31st - just south of the massive New York City Post Office and diagonally across from Madison Square Garden's southwest corner. The establishment is surrounded by a mix of dark dive bars, "adult" shops, and general old school New York establishments. To be honest, D'Aiuto isn't that appealing from the outside either, but insiders know it's true value!

 D'Aiuto's Block and Storefront

I sashayed into the pastry shop around noon on a dreary Saturday. There were folks waiting to order in front of me and others walked in while I was there. Clearly, people who know great Italian treats make it a point to stop in whenever they can. 

I had almost forgotten how many treats beam up at customers from the glass case and counter top. They all seemed to be so well lit that you can't help but be drawn in and purchase something new or something which wasn't on your original list. I, too, fell prey to the unexpected purchase. More on that to come.

The first thing I had to do was, of course, order the cheesecake. Fatty McGee that I am, I wanted to try more than one and this time I had an excuse - and a couple of friends who I would be meeting momentarily, "I would like 3 slices of cheesecake, please!" I shouted as people pointed and whispered that I should adhere to my diet. I ended up with one plain, one strawberry, and one chocolate slice. Oh, and a black & white cookie and a coffee, just for good measure. How much did those delights set me back? Less than $15! A slice of cheesecake at Junior's cost double what these go for and, I bet, they are half as delicious, but I know that I'm biased. 

 3 slices of cheesecake, a black & white cookie, and a coffee for under $15

Since there are no seats inside we decided to make a day of it. I met my friends at Chelsea Market, which is only a 20 minute walk away from D'Aiuto. We were able to grab a cafe table in the crowded corridor and dig in before window shopping at the market.

Rich, decadent, smooth, and - just flat out - divine. Perhaps the only unexpected slice was the chocolate. Somehow we all thought the chocolate cheesecake would be chocolate flavored through and through, but it was rather a plain cheesecake covered in a thick layer of dark chocolate. The strawberry was similar - a plain slice with strawberry gelatin like covering adorning the top and adding to the overall flavor experience. 

It was a tough job, but the three of us were able to take care of each and every slice, saving the black & white cookie for later.

The "after" photo

After finishing, it was time to walk off our lunch/dessert with a visit to High Line Park. The High Line is one of my favorite places in all of New York City. Constructed from a historic elevated freight rail line, the park is now home to various plant life, which seems to change with every season, beautiful art, and million dollar views. The High Line is always filled with walkers, sun bathers, tourists, students, children, performance art, musicians, unique food vendors, and more. For me, it's a place to walk uninterrupted by traffic and to enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline and Hoboken! 

The best location to step up to the High Line is at Gansevoort Street and walk north through the entire length of the park, which is currently about 25 blocks - not including the final phase of construction at 33rd street. The Gansevoort entrance can be tricky to locate, but the entrance at W. 14th Street and 10th Avenue is a little easier to find and more accessible with an elevator to accommodate folks who aren't able to make it up the stairs.

We strolled off our delightful treats while snapping some photos here and there.Check out my photos below!

All in all, if you're a cheesecake enthusiast, or simply a normal human being who likes desserts, check out D'Aiuto and make a day of the many unique NYC landmarks in the vicinity. You won't be sorry. Plus, the good news is, it's finally summer! Now, go explore. Let me know how it goes. 

Thanks for reading!

Hobokenista, OUT!

@thehobokenista