On my way to City Bakery to meet friends yesterday, I spotted a place I’ve never noticed before, Chef and Company. It’s primarily a catering company but they also offer a number of dishes to go.

I got there too late to try anything, but the food looks appealing. Apparently, the day’s offerings vary depending on what Chef and Company is making for clients that day. That could range from 5 Spice Duck Summer Rolls to paella. Next time I’m on 18th street, I’ll try a few things.

Then it was on to City Bakery, one of my favorite meeting spots. Who can resist the fabulous chocolate chip cookies and the rich, creamy hot chocolate? Since it was broiling hot outside, a typical steamy New York summer day, I opted for an iced coffee. Then I spotted the miso muffin with plums. “Fusion confusion,” sniffed my friend Ed, but I decided to risk it. Ed gave it a hardy thumbs down. I sort of liked it. The round, cake-like thing was earthy and oaty, but also managed to be pretty moist. The plums? A nice touch but they were way too sour. Mouth puckering and muffins definitely don’t go together.

For the cheese lovers out there, don’t miss Anne Saxelby’s latest field trip. Anne, whose teensy cheese shop is tucked away in a corner of the Essex Street Market, features a well-edited selection of domestic cheeses. And, she has to be the most charming cheesemonger around. Plus, she’s incredibly knowledgeable. A bonus: if you buy some cheese, or even if you don’t, you can stand around and talk to Anne and her customers, while tasting cheese for half the afternoon.

Here are the details about the trip to Mecox Dairy Farm in Long Island in Bridgehampton and Wolffer Estate Vineyards. Among other activities: a tour of the farm from milking parlor to cave with cheese maker Art Ludlow.

Date and Time Sunday, August 19, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
http://www.saxelbycheese.com/
http://saxelbycheese.blogspot.com/
Price: $95

City Bakery
3 W. 18th St.
NY, NY
212 366 1414

Chef and Company
8 W. 18th St.
NY, NY
646 336 1981

Related posts:

1. Lower East Side: Cheese Field Trip
2. Vermont: Grafton Village Cheese Company
3. Food Field Trip: A Day A-Whey to Sprout Creek Farm and Terhune Orchard