[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

Back in 2007, Ed applauded the brownies from Mari's New York—ever since then, I've been sneaking off to Barneys for the far too frequent indulgence. But now Mari's has her own shop, inside the recently opened Limelight Market. Here she offers her six signature flavors plus a Bacon Brownie and the Limelight Brownie, made in honor of the market. The latter is the classic brownie with a sparkle of sugar crystals over the surface, and the former? Well, it's about the most bacon-y brownie you'll find in the city, complete with bits of actual bacon.

However my favorite flavor remains the undeniably intense Thai Coffee Brownie. At $2.50 each, they're pricey little bites, but worth the indulgence. After all, how often do you find a brownie at the perfect intersection at cakey and fudgy? Bonus—the packaging is great and they've proven to be excellent hostess gifts.

While you're at the market, have a drink with the brownie. Six flavors offered, and each can be made with a base of either coffee or tea. Prices range from $2.50 to $3.25. The "Thai" couples brown sugar syrup and condensed milk, an excellent option, best with assam tea, iced. You can even start matching, pairing a Heat Brownie with the "Heat" drink, both equally spicy. The drink is made with a shot of chocolate-chili sauce, and goes better with coffee—iced, of course.

Mari's New York

Inside the Limelight Market
656 6th Avenue, New York NY 10011 (map)
marisny.com