Bocuse d'Or USA

was held at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY Feb 5-6, 2010.

We were able to watch the competition (which was free and open to the public) on Feb 6.

At 9am the crowd was manageable and we were able to see everything with ease. By noon it was much more crowded and we could barely see the prepared food as it was paraded around the judges' tables on silver platters.

L.A. Burdick

Is a new chocolate boutique and cafe located in NYC's Flatiron District at 5 E. 20th Street.

This warm and inviting store has cafe tables in the front. Walk up to the counter and order your beverage and/or pastry. The cashier gives you a number which you place on your table and someone carries and serves your order to you tableside once it is ready.

I had a small hot milk chocolate ($3.75) and slice of linzer torte cake ($4.00). The hot chocolate was delicious. Even though it had a frothy layer of foam on top I wish it was served with whipped cream. The linzer torte was a little too firm and difficult to cut with the dainty fork I was given.

There is a serve yourself complimentary pitcher of ice water.

The store sells chocolate and all sorts of chocolate products.

Hot Plates Live - Post 10

Stuffed Artisan Cannolis - Coco Loco, Nutella, Peanut Butter Cup

This was my favorite table...I tried 3 out of the 4 flavors. I didn't try the Irish Coffee because I am not a coffee fan, but if I had just one teeny tiny space in my stomach left I would have tried it.

My favorite flavor was Coco Loco - it tasted like an Almond Joy candy bar.

Hot Plates Live - Post 9

Spot - soft cheesecake with passion fruit and huckleberry

This was very airy and light and the passion fruit and huckleberry added a little tartness.

Hot Plates Live - Post 8

Corsino - grilled octopus and potato

goat cheese crostini with orange glaze

The octopus was nice and tender. The crostini was good with just a hint of sweetness.

Hot Plates Live - Post 7

Luke's Lobster - buttered and grilled Maine shrimp on a New England style bun.

I've been to Luke's before and preferred the shrimp roll to his lobster roll. This didn't disappoint.

Hot Plates Live - Post 6

Bia Garden - crispy pork belly, daikon hash, pickled new year vegetable.

This was very yummy, but the pork was a little salty. This was obviously a crowd favorite because the line was longest for this table.