New York City's Best Chocolate Chip Cookie??

Call me a crazy gastronome, but finding the perfect chocolate chip cookie has been one of my many life goals (it falls somewhere between being an expatriate and sky diving). So, I decided what better opportunity to fulfill one of my life ambitions than in a city known for its numerous bakeries.

After doing my research I discovered that New York City's best chocolate chip cookie is supposedly located in Levain Bakery (167 W 74th St.). I quickly slipped on my flip-flops to see if this bakery could possibly live up to expectation. I had been disappointed before (Rocco's on Bleecker) and was determined not to let my taste buds down this time. I embarked on my quest to the Upper West Side, anticipation weighing heavy. After trekking through Central Park, stopping to admire the boathouse, and having a crazy lady ask to take my picture at Strawberry Fields, I really hoped this darn cookie was worth the 45 minute walk it took to get there.

I would have to overcome one last obstacle in order to fulfill my goal, for what could possibly be blocking the entrance to Levain's, but a stroller complete with child and all. There was no mother to be seen until she emerged dragging a pouting, crying child up the stairs which led down to my destination. The whimpering child calmed down as the mother offered it a cookie and that was when I knew I had arrived. If a Levain's cookie was enough to silence a child's tantrum, then perhaps it would be worth the $3.75 price tag.

Lets just say the walk, the crazy lady, the crying child, and the $3.75, was all worth the most amazing chocolate chip cookie it purchased, and I can now cross at least one more goal off my life's to do list. Now about that sky diving......