VittlesVamp

Proximity

Tasty treats in close proximity? Sounds good at first, but it can quickly become a problem.

Case in point: donuts.

I have never been a big donut person. Dunkin' has never been a go-to. (Then again, I am not from Boston.)

But, back in September 2022 I tried the Maple Cruller at Daily Provisions. It was freakin-fantastic. Thankfully, though, it was near Union Square.

That changed a couple of months ago. Now, there is a Daily Provisions in walking distance, located in Cobble Hill.

If that wasn't bad enough, also in walking distance, Downtown Brooklyn's Gage & Tollner is offering up a rotating selection of sublime donuts at lunchtime. Check out the Lime and Coconut lovely above.

Gah! So good! So close! Too close!

To make matters worse, Henry's End, which is all of three blocks away from me in Brooklyn Heights, makes some seriously delectable donuts on the weekends.

Three blocks away.

I live in the danger zone.

Getting Ready For Blowback On This Post

So I am going to sound like a fullon 1-percenter right now - but, I have noticed an incredibly inordinate amount of Truffles and Caviar on menus as of late. For some, I am sure it is about "revenge dining" post-Pandemic. For others, there is surely a deep appreciation for these umami-packed ingredients.

Yet...

I am just starting to think that there are other options that are more affordable - and, are less knee-jerk than these indulgent luxury staples.

For example, last weekend I dropped by Red Hook Tavern one weekend morning. Instead of ordering their deservedly-hyped burger, I thought I would try their French Omelette with Truffle.

Was it good? Sure. Was it great? Not really.

I kept thinking how much a bright herb salad - maybe with Italian Parsley, Chives, and Tarragon - could have been an even better option than the generous shaving of Black Truffle showered on the perfectly cooked eggs.

And, then there are pieces of nigiri from Sushi Lin with fish that melts in your mouth.

Is a hit of Beluga Caviar balanced on top of Otoro Tuna and Uni a crowd pleaser? Sure. It it as good as the seared Tomato they put on top of King Salmon? Not really.

I know that complaining about too much Truffle and Caviar makes me sound like Marie Antoinette. But, I am not saying "Let them eat cake."

I am saying "Let me eat fresh herbs and tomatoes." Different. Besides, it comes at a much more manageable price tag - and hopefully doesn't inspire anyone to break out a guillotine.