Balthazar Restaurant (NYC 2012)

While cruising the streets of NYC one day, The Feisty Foodie and I met up with the mad genius behind the blog Fritos and Foie Gras: Sarah.  A few months back, Sarah needed a little blog help as she revamped the look and feel of her site (which you must check out…she makes me laugh every time I read her posts!).  Feisty referred her to me and the rest is bloggy history (so to speak).  While in NYC, we met up with Sarah, who made me laugh and giggle in person as much as her blog does at home.  Our meeting destination was a mid-afternoon dessert delight at Balthazar Restaurant.  Coffee and tartes!  What else could a girl like me want?  Not much, I tell ya.

Apple Tart Tatin

Perusing the menu, the apple tart tatin caught my eye, as I am a big fan of this particular dessert.  Both Feisty and Sarah graciously agreed to share this dessert since it was the one I was most interested in.  And it didn’t disappoint.  Just the right amount of apple on top of that crispy, shortbread-like crust.  YUM!

Blackberry, Plum, and Frangipane Tart

The big shocker for me though was the tart that Sarah and Feisty picked out: a blackberry & plum tart with frangipane below the fruit and sliced almonds along the crust.  As soon as the server recited this tart as that day’s special, I was leery.  I am not a fan of blackberries, and only eat plums on occasion.  And I had never heard of frangipane before this point.  But I gamely tried it.  Unlike savory foods, I’ll most likely try a sweet dish that I leery of (unless it is custard based).  OH. MY. Goodness!  This thing was divine.  Tart in all the right places with a slightly sweet crust.  I was surprised that of the two tarts this one was my favorite.  Seriously.  I wish I could make this at home.  I’ve never tried to make a tart before.  I wonder if it is time to try.