brooklyn bridge and sweet sorrow

Our last hurrah in the city was a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.


Manhattan truly is a magnificent place, even under ominous skies.


As a fitting end to the trip, we went to a lovely little bakery called Crumbs. Mixed feelings abound (how can anyone hate on butter and sugar?), but I thought there were oodles of appetizing choices. After much deliberation, I settled on the caramel apple cupcake:


I got a face full of icing with that first bite, and I liked it. I liked it a lot. I also liked the surprise waiting for me inside:


(cinnamon-y baked apples elate me)(especially when surrounded by moist cake and topped with abundant heavenly buttercream frosting)

Jamie opted for the peach cobbler muffin:


(gots ta love that crumb topping)

Katie immediately knew what she wanted--the cappuccino cupcake:


(topped and filled with a rich coffee-flavored icing)(and apparently a rogue red sprinkle)

I had been resisting, but can now be counted as a fan of cupcakes.

I can also be counted as a fan of New York City (Manhattan, at least), mostly because I had an awesome tour guide, a terrific travel companion, and lots of good food.

One last food note: After putting Katie in a cab for the airport, James and I stopped at The Hummus Place on our way to the train station. What a glorious place (as many can attest), this center for all things hummus. I got hummus with tahini, and I can tell you that the people seated around me on the train were shooting me some looks, either from pure envy or a distaste for the smell of garlic. Sorry, fellow travelers--it tasted fantastic and I wasn't stopping for anything.

Thank you so much, James! In the words of my favorite he-man-turned-actor-turned-governator, I'll be back.