[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

This slice of caramelized French Toast ($4) is baked by Cafe Pedlar in Brooklyn and also sold at Stumptown in the Ace Hotel. Thick slices cut from a filone loaf, with every part of the exterior—top, middle, side, bottom—well-caramelized and golden. Sweet. It crunches at the first bite, with bits of caramel shards breaking in your mouth. You near the center, and the toast doesn't turn soft; though more tender, it's significantly chewier than your average French toast. Recommended pairings: a hot latte, elastic-waist pants.

Stumptown Coffee (in the Ace Hotel)

20 West 29th Street, New York NY 10001 (map)
212-679-2222