Midtown Lunch

Last year, I was lucky enough to travel to Portugal for vacation (and lots of eating). One of the most ubiquitious dishes I discovered is the pastel de nata. This is basically a sweet egg custard tart topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. It’s served all over Portugal as breakfast, dessert, or a snack with an espresso.

I have yet to find one in the city that has brought me back to my time in Lisbon. Earlier this week, I stopped by City Sandwich for one of their blood sausage sandwiches and I noticed an entire section dedicated to the little pastry. It’s a separate counter branded Pastel de Crema and they’re selling natas for $2 a pop.

This was the most authentic one I’ve tasted in NYC. I learned they are made at a bakery in Newark (just like the bread for their sandwiches). The sweet, creamy custard is beautifully caramelized and held together by a crisp puff pastry-like cup. The only thing we need now is a bica (espresso).

This is technically out of bounds on 8th Avenue, but it’s worth a visit to get a little taste of Iberia.