Serious Eats: New York
Sugar Rush: Zapallos en Almibar at Industria Argentina
The menu description doesn't do this dessert justice: "acorn squash slowly cooked in syrup served with vanilla scented whipped cream." The dessert is by Natalia Machado, the pastry chef at Tribeca's Industria Argentina, and it's named Zapallos en Almibar ($9), an Argentinian classic with a rich history, not often served outside the home. Acorn squash is cubed, soaked in pickling lime, then cooked for hours in syrup.
The result? Glossy, almost translucent cuts of squash, with an crackle crisp exterior and innards, a soft and creamy affair. The contrast of two textures in a single bite is addictive. It's very sweet, so the fresh whipped cream, light with a touch of vanilla, is absolutely necessary. And if squash is not your thing, you're bound to find joy in a quince and cheesecake stuffed crepe or a molten dulce de leche cake paired with caramel-streaked sea salt ice cream.
Industria Argentina
329 Greenwich Street, New York NY 10013 (map)
iatribeca.com