Push Comes To Shrove (Tuesday)
Upper East Side, NYC | As I've always stated, most popular foods barely merit their own holiday, pancakes among them.
But on this special occasion of Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), I personally am willing to make an exception as it isn't just about the comfiest of breakfast comfort dishes, but is actually stemmed in the cultural tradition of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), a day of carnival as we take the last opportunity for "fat" eating before we give it all up for Lent.
Plus it gives me just enough of an excuse to visit my favorite local old school NYC diner, Lexington Candy Shop, which still executes the sweet, airy, flat cakes expertly.
As today is know to be more than somewhat festive, I decided to spruce up my pancake order with both blueberries and pecans.
The pancakes, as I've been able to enjoy for decades, are still fluffy and firm, cakey, aromatic without being too sweet. The blueberries burst with natural berry sweetness with just the slightest of pressure, and the crunchy pecans were elevated by a hint of smokiness from getting toasted while touching the hot flat-top grill.
I would have added bacon to the plate, but I still have two more "celebratory" meals to enjoy this "Tuesday of Fatness", which includes an alligator pot pie for dinner (hopefully).
I will continue to happily, though, "push" my way through all ensuing deliciousness today.
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LEXINGTON CANDY SHOP | 1226 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028 | (212) 288-0057 | lexingtoncandyshop.net
