In the next ten days I’ll be dining at three of Manhattan’s top restaurants: Babbo, Park Avenue Summer, and Mas Farmhouse. In deference to my gastronomic future, this week I’m taking a break from my usual-style review to opine on my favorite Manhattan treat:

The.
Best.
Banana Pudding.
Ever.

If you haven’t heard of Magnolia Bakery, you’d be wise not to admit otherwise. The small confection shop hit the mainstream when it was featured in an episode of Sex and the City and has since been mentioned in many a television show, movie, and even a SNL skit. At almost any time of day, a long line of sugar-seekers wraps around the corner of West 11th Street.

While most customers make a beeline for the self-serve cupcake section of the bakery, in the know sweet tooths head to the counter for Magnolia’s Banana Pudding. Have I mentioned it is the best Banana Pudding ever? It is worth a wait on line. It is worth a subway trip. If you bring it to a friend’s or serve it to guests, you’re guaranteed hero status.

A healthy dose of vanilla wafers are softened by sweet pudding.
Slices of banana are perfectly ripe.
Every bite tastes like heaven.

But I must warn you: it’s addictive. Once your spoon digs in, it’s hard to stop it from returning to the carton, again and again. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll crave it. You’ll simply have to have it. And don’t even consider getting the smaller size carton. You’ll only regret it. I promise.

Magnolia Bakery

www.magnoliacupcakes.com

401 Bleecker Street and 200 Columbus Avenue

Open Until 11:30pm on Weekdays

Open Until 12:30am on Friday and Saturday