We decided to go to New York again in Spring since we will leave US for now and live in Japan from this summer. I guess this is the 4th time we visit New York. Ally said I am a “Fake New Yorker” after these visits.

Of course, we had another surprising experience in New York. “Chikalicious” is one of them. It’s a desert pub run by a Japanese and her name is Chika. She also runs a desert restaurant just across the street. Ally found out it is the number one rated in New York Zaga and couldn’t wait to give it a try.

It’s a small desert pub, just like many other nice shops in New York. We decided to try Carrot Cake and Cream Pudding first. The cream pudding is smooth and not super sweet, very yummy. But I likely the Carrot cake even more because it is different from what I had before and the taste is fresh and wonderful. Even Ally, who never eats carrot, likes this very much. After realizing the chief Chika is actually across the street, we wonder if we should go in again and see her make desert. After wondering outside for a few minutes, we decide to go in.

They are a few people there already but not crowded. This is the first time we sit and watch the chief make desert and it’s a great experience. She is not very talkative but very dedicate with everything. But it’s interesting that she is so small but her assistants are all big and they have to stay in such a small place. We order today’s desert menu and it’s so special because the appetizer is desert, the main dish is desert and the desert is again desert. More and more people are coming and soon the restaurant is pack. It’s not even 5:00 pm. We bring this wonderful experience with us and take it back to DC, to Yokohama, to everywhere we walk together.

--- Alex

If you want to experience how a dessert can be just like an art, then you might be interested in visiting Chikalicious in NYC. Chika is a quiet female chef from Tokyo. I asked her: you must be so proud of yourself, in this huge and very competitive New York City, the No. 1 cake is from you, a Japanese. She said nothing but smiled and nodded her head to say thank you to me. “Why you don't open a cake store in Japan but in NYC instead?” - Ally asked. “Here is more fun. In Japan, people usually eat desserts after lunch or dinner only. But in NYC, people tend to be more possibilities to eat desserts anytime they like. Before or after lunch, afternoon or mid-night..., they eat desserts whenever they want.”

Yes, whenever I like to eat desserts, I sometimes think of Chika. The quite Chika creates very elegant desserts in East Village, New York City.

--- Ally