Ep 1. Brooklyn
- TV-G
- October 14, 2012
- 20 min
Brooklyn is the first episode of the third season of Unique Sweets, a TV show that celebrates the most innovative and unique desserts from around the United States. In this episode, viewers are transported to Brooklyn, one of New York City's most eclectic and diverse boroughs, where they get to explore some of the most creative and mouth-watering desserts that the area has to offer. From artisanal ice creams to decadent cakes and pastries, Brooklyn's culinary scene is as delicious as it is diverse.
The episode starts with a visit to Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain, a retro-style pharmacy-turned-diner that serves some of the tastiest ice cream sundaes in the city. The host, Yasmeen Hassan, meets the owners, Gia Giasullo and Peter Freeman, who tell her about the history of the place and how they have turned it into a beloved neighborhood hangout. They then introduce Yasmeen to some of their most popular sundaes, including the Farmacy Sundae, which comes topped with homemade honeycomb and hot fudge, and the Egg Cream, a classic New York drink that is made with seltzer, milk, and flavored syrup. Yasmeen is blown away by the quality and creativity of the desserts and can't wait to see what else Brooklyn has in store.
Next, Yasmeen travels to One Girl Cookies, a charming bakery in Cobble Hill that specializes in small-batch handmade cookies and cakes. She meets the owner, Dawn Casale, who tells her about her passion for baking and how she started the business with her husband in 2005. Yasmeen gets to sample some of the bakery's signature treats, such as whoopie pies, linzer cookies, and painted chocolate bars, all made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. She also learns about the bakery's commitment to sustainability and community involvement, which makes it a beloved fixture in the neighborhood.
The third stop of the episode is at Bien Cuit, an artisanal bakery in Boerum Hill that is renowned for its crusty bread, flaky croissants, and buttery pastries. Yasmeen meets the owner and head baker, Zachary Golper, who shows her around the bakery and explains his philosophy of using traditional techniques and organic ingredients to create the most flavorful and nutritious baked goods. Yasmeen gets to try some of the bakery's signature items, such as the chocolate almond croissant, the danish knot, and the caramelized onion focaccia, all of which showcase the bakery's attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The final stop of the episode is at Liddabit Sweets, a candy shop in Sunset Park that makes all its treats by hand, using only natural and locally sourced ingredients. Yasmeen meets the owners, Liz Gutman and Jen King, who tell her about their background as pastry chefs and how they started the business in 2009, fueled by their love of all things sweet. Yasmeen gets to see how the candy is made, from the tempering of the chocolate to the boiling of the syrups, and then gets to sample some of the most popular items, such as the sea salt caramels, the beer and pretzel caramels, and the peanut butter cups. She is amazed by the range and quality of the flavors and textures, and leaves the shop with a newfound appreciation for artisanal candy.
In conclusion, the Brooklyn episode of Unique Sweets is a testament to the creativity, diversity, and vibrancy of the borough's dessert scene. From retro soda fountains to artisanal bakeries to handcrafted candy shops, Brooklyn offers something for every sweet tooth, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and community. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves food, culture, and innovation, and will leave viewers hungry for more.